Tackling Rural Crime

Priority:
To proactively reduce and prevent rural crime across Somerton and surrounding communities through targeted enforcement, community engagement, and partnership working.

Statement:
Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team is committed to protecting our rural communities from the impact of crime. We recognise the unique challenges faced by those living and working in rural areas, including theft of agricultural machinery, livestock offences, wildlife crime, and heritage crime. These offences not only cause financial loss but also undermine community confidence and safety.

Our approach will focus on:

• Visible Policing: Increasing patrols in rural hotspots and engaging with local residents and landowners to build trust and gather intelligence.
• Partnerships: Working closely with local councils, farming groups, and national bodies such as the NFU and Crimestoppers to share information and coordinate responses.
• Prevention and Education: Promoting crime prevention advice, encouraging reporting, and supporting initiatives such as Farm Watch and Horse Watch.
• Targeted Enforcement: Using intelligence-led operations to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.

We will continue to listen to our communities and adapt our strategies to ensure Somerton remains a safe and resilient place to live and work.

Actions

• 26 February 2026
  

  Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to focus on reducing and preventing rural crime through proactive patrols, community engagement, and targeted enforcement activity.

  Anti‑Poaching Patrols
  In recent weeks, officers have conducted dedicated anti‑poaching patrols along several of Somerton’s rural droves following concerns regarding illegal hunting activity. These patrols aim to deter would‑be offenders, identify suspicious behaviour, and provide visibility in areas that are often vulnerable due to their remote nature. During these patrols, the team has also taken the opportunity to speak with local farmers and landowners to offer advice, gather information, and strengthen our links with the rural community.

  Hare Coursing – Specialist Training Booked
  To further enhance our capability in tackling wildlife crime, members of the team have specialist training booked specifically focused on dealing with offences relating to hare coursing. This training will support officers in recognising the signs of hare coursing, understanding the associated legislation, and responding effectively to incidents. Hare coursing can have significant impacts on land, livestock, and wildlife, and improving our skills in this area remains an important part of our rural crime strategy.

  We remain committed to working with our communities and partners to protect rural areas across Somerton and Martock beats and ensure they remain safe, resilient places to live and work. If you witness suspicious activity or have information relating to rural crime, please report it via 101, our online reporting system, or 999 in an emergency.

• 24 January 2026
  

  This week, high‑visibility officers from the Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out targeted patrols across rural areas using our specialist off‑road vehicles. These patrols allow us to reach remote locations and provide reassurance to those who live and work in the countryside.

  During the operation, officers conducted checks on recreational field sports taking place in the area. We are pleased to report that all activities observed were lawful, and those involved were cooperative and supportive of our efforts to prevent rural crime.

  We remain committed to maintaining a visible presence in rural communities and working closely with landowners, residents, and partner organisations to deter criminal activity and keep our countryside safe.

• 8 January 2026
  

  Over recent weeks, we’ve continued to focus on our priority of tackling rural crime by increasing proactive patrols across hard‑to‑reach areas. By utilising our specialist off‑road vehicles, officers have been able to access tracks, fields, and wooded locations that are often used by those riding motorcross and quad bikes anti‑socially. This has allowed us to identify offenders, provide targeted enforcement, and offer reassurance to our rural communities. We’ll keep maintaining a visible presence and working closely with local landowners to ensure these areas remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

• 24 November 2025
  

  Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team will be offering crime prevention visits to farms within the Somerton, Langport, Martock & Hamdon’s area.

   

  This visit will include assistance with registering property you have on your farm and offering crime prevention regarding plant theft.

• 23 October 2025
  

  Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team have been investigation reports of agricultural equipment theft in and around the Somerton, Langport and Martock areas.