Rural Crime – Suspicious Activity

Agreed on 4 August 2026. Updated on 30 September 2026

Rural Crime – Please Report Suspicious Activity

Rural crime continues to have a significant impact on our farming and countryside communities. Offences such as poaching, hare coursing, and the theft of farm equipment or livestock can cause major disruption, financial loss, and emotional distress.

A key challenge is that many incidents go unreported. Members of the public may assume a vehicle in a field belongs to a farmer or contractor, or that someone walking dogs across farmland is simply exercising them. In some cases, however, this behaviour may be linked to illegal hunting or poaching.

Why Reporting Matters

Every report helps us build a clearer picture of what is happening across our rural areas. Even small or seemingly harmless incidents may be crucial for identifying patterns, directing patrols, or supporting future policing operations.

Your reports directly help the rural crime team tackle:

Hare coursing and deer poaching
Theft of machinery, tools, diesel, and livestock
Damage to crops, fences, and gates
Suspicious vehicles or unknown individuals on farmland

What to Look Out For

Please report anything that seems unusual, such as:

Vehicles driving slowly, parked in remote areas, or positioned overlooking fields
People watching livestock, farm buildings, or fields without a clear reason
Dogs being used to chase wildlife
Unfamiliar individuals entering fields or woodland without permission

If in doubt — report it anyway. We would rather check and find nothing than miss essential information.

How to Report

999 – If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger
101 – For non‑emergency reports or ongoing suspicious activity
Online – www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report

You can also contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team via the Avon & Somerset Police website for non‑urgent concerns or advice on rural crime.

Actions

30 September 2026

Increase in Rural Vehicle Crime Across the Frome Area
The Frome Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team has identified an increase in rural vehicle crime, including the theft of plant machinery and vehicles. These offences can have a significant impact on the farming community, causing substantial financial loss and disruption to businesses and daily operations.

Positive progress has recently been made following information received from a member of the public, which led to the successful recovery of two stolen vehicles at a rural location. This highlights the value of community intelligence and the importance of reporting information promptly.

Ongoing actions by the team include:
- Increased high-visibility and intelligence-led patrols in rural areas.
- Enhanced engagement with farmers, landowners and rural businesses to provide crime prevention advice and gather intelligence.
- Continued partnership working and development of intelligence to identify and disrupt offenders.
We are asking members of the public to report any suspicious activity, unusual vehicle movements or incidents of rural crime as soon as possible. Every piece of information can be vital in helping investigations and protecting our rural communities.

Report information to Avon and Somerset Police at: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/
16 September 2026

The Frome Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to thank members of the public for taking the time to report suspicious activity within their local communities.

The information you provide is invaluable in helping us gather intelligence, identify crime hotspots, and build a clearer picture of issues affecting the area. This enables us to organise targeted patrols and maintain a visible police presence in locations of concern, helping to deter potential criminal activity.

Please continue to report suspicious activity via 101, or by calling 999 if the incident is happening at the time and requires an immediate police response.

Thank you for your continued support.
2 September 2026

In August, the Frome and Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted a proactive operation aimed at tackling rural crime across our communities.

The operation was a great success, with officers identifying numerous illegal vehicles and gathering valuable evidence to support ongoing investigations and future enforcement activity.

These proactive efforts demonstrate our continued commitment to tackling rural crime, protecting local communities, and bringing offenders to justice.
19 August 2026

Police Community Support Officers continue to carry out high-visibility patrols across our rural communities to help deter crime and provide reassurance. We encourage residents to report any incidents or suspicious behaviour, as the information you provide helps us direct patrols and focus our efforts on areas of concern.

On 12 August, PCSO Louise attended Standerwick Market near Frome, speaking with members of the public and the local farming community. These visits provide an opportunity to discuss local issues, share crime prevention advice, and offer support where needed.

The Frome Neighbourhood Policing Team aims to attend the market on Wednesdays whenever operational commitments allow. If you see us there, please come and say hello. We are always happy to chat and discuss any concerns you may have.