More than 100 vehicles were stopped and checked during a major operation aimed at tackling the rising issue of agricultural machinery theft in the South West.
Operation Ragwort, a joint initiative involving the five police forces across the South West and their respective Police and Crime Commissioners, targeted vehicles towing trailers carrying quad bikes, livestock, agricultural equipment, and plant machinery.
The operation focused on two key road networks in Wiltshire, following intelligence from Wiltshire Police indicating a 3% rise in the theft of agricultural machinery, plant, horseboxes, and farming tools from 2023 to 2024.
During the two-day operation, two vehicles were seized, a suspected stolen trailer was recovered, and a vehicle carrying a dangerous load was issued with a prohibition notice. Additionally, the Environment Agency is now following up on two cases of illegal waste transport discovered as a result of the vehicle checks.
Superintendent James Brain, Rural Crime Tactical Lead for Wiltshire Police and Regional Rural Crime Lead, highlighted the significance of the operation. He said: “The aim of Operation Ragwort is two-fold – to disrupt and deter the organised theft of agricultural machinery and plant across county borders, and to reassure rural communities that Wiltshire Police is committed to tackling rural crime.”
Superintendent Brain urged victims of rural crime to report incidents to the police, either online or by calling 101. He stressed that building a clearer picture of crime trends helps the Force to target resources effectively and carry out future operations in key areas.
Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner and a member of the National Rural Crime Network, described the operation as an encouraging step towards tackling organised rural crime. He said: “With the Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces working together across the region, we are starting to see positive results. This is just the beginning, and we are determined to strengthen our intelligence and drive these criminals out of our rural communities.”
Mr Wilkinson encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity, emphasising that increased intelligence will help the police better target their resources and make rural areas safer.
Rural crime remains a priority for Wiltshire Police, with Chief Constable Roper identifying the theft of agricultural plant and machinery as a key area of focus.
For more information about rural crime prevention, visit: www.wiltshire.police.uk.
