Dorset Police Rural Crime Team

31/10/2026

Did you know bats and their roosts are protected by law?

Bats play an important role in our natural environment, but their roosts can easily be disturbed.

It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb, injure or kill a bat, or to damage or obstruct a place used by bats for shelter or protection.

If you’re carrying out building, roofing, tree or renovation work, make sure you know the law, and what to look for.

If you think bats may be present, stop and seek specialist advice before carrying out work.

Our wildlife deserves protection. Know the law. Check before you act.

31/10/2026

Dorset Police Rural Crime Team - Weekly Update
It has been another busy and productive week for the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team.
✅ The team delivered a presentation to the Dorset Mammal Group, highlighting the work we do to tackle rural and wildlife crime across the county.
✅ Officers assisted Blandford Neighbourhood Policing Team with the arrest of a male in connection with serious offences.
✅ Whilst on foot patrol, one of our officers responded to a medical emergency involving a female suffering a severe allergic reaction. Immediate assistance was provided and we are pleased to report she made a full recovery.
✅ We held a Community Contact Point at Holme for Gardens, Wareham, providing local residents with the opportunity to speak with officers and discuss rural policing issues.
✅ Two members of the team have been undertaking specialist training in the examination and identification of plant and agricultural machinery. This will further enhance our ability to identify and recover stolen equipment and support investigations into rural thefts.
✅ One officer has also completed their annual Officer Safety Training to ensure they maintain the skills required to keep themselves and the public safe.
✅ During the week, we carried out a further Operation Galileo deployment, targeting and disrupting illegal hare coursing, poaching and associated rural crime. These proactive operations remain a key part of our efforts to protect rural communities and wildlife.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support and engage with the Rural Crime Team. If you have information about rural crime, wildlife crime, poaching or suspicious activity, please report it to Dorset Police via our website. In an emergency, always dial 999.

28/10/2026

Recently, officers from the Rural Crime Team have spoken to a number of young people about the use of catapults.
While carrying a catapult is not a criminal offence, using one to cause damage or inflict harm or suffering to an animal is illegal and could lead to police action.
Our figures in Dorset remain low for these types of offences, but this year we have seen wildlife and birds targeted and seriously injured in more urban areas as well.
That’s why we want to remind people, particularly young people and their parents, that using a catapult to cause damage or harm is a crime and police will take action wherever possible.
We are asking parents to try and dissuade children from leaving home with a catapult and also explain to them that using a catapult to cause damage, harm or suffering to an animal is a criminal offence.
If you see individuals or groups using catapults, damaging windows, vehicles or property or suspicious behaviour particularly in parks, open spaces or residential areas then report to Dorset Police. In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergency reports, contact 101 or report online.

27/10/2026

NEWS | We are reminding residents about protections for bat roosts following a number of incidents in Dorset this year.

All bat species and their roosts are protected by law, and disturbing or destroying a bat roost can result in criminal prosecution.

So far in 2026, six people in Dorset have been issued with community resolutions in relation to bat offences, resulting in fines of up to £2,000.

Bats and their roosts are protected under both the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. Importantly, a roost remains protected whether bats are present at the time or not.

Police Constable Kate Schofield, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “Many people are unaware that bat roosts receive strict legal protection.

“Something as simple as carrying out renovation work, blocking an access point or removing a tree without the appropriate assessments can have serious consequences for protected wildlife and may amount to a criminal offence.

“We take wildlife crime seriously in Dorset and would urge anyone planning development, renovations or tree works to seek professional advice where bats may be present.”

Anyone who witnesses suspected bat roost offences or other wildlife crime is encouraged to report the matter to Dorset Police online or via 101. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Where wildlife is at immediate risk of harm, members of the public should call 999.

24/10/2026

🚜🌾 Rural Crime Team Weekly Update 🚔🐎
It's been another busy week for the Rural Crime Team, working proactively across Dorset and alongside partner agencies to keep our rural communities safe. 👇

✅ Operation Galileo - Last Saturday, officers carried out Operation Galileo, targeting illegal hare coursing, poaching and associated rural crime. The team responded to reports of suspicious activity across rural Dorset, conducted proactive patrols throughout the county and engaged with local farmers and landowners. 🐇🚔🌾

✅ Joint Operation with Wiltshire Police - On Tuesday, officers joined colleagues from Wiltshire Police's Rural Crime Team to tackle poaching and hare coursing following intelligence and information received. 🤝🚜🐕

✅ Burglary Disrupted at the Dorset/Wiltshire Border - Later that evening, officers assisted Wiltshire Police following reports of a break-in in progress. The team's swift response disrupted the suspects and caused them to leave the area empty-handed. Enquiries remain ongoing and we will continue to work closely with our neighbouring force. 🚨 👮‍♂️

✅ Training the Next Generation - Members of the team delivered a presentation to student officers, providing an overview of rural crime, heritage crime and the important role the Rural Crime Team plays in protecting our communities. 🐄 🚜

✅ Annual First Aid Refresher – Some of the team also completed their annual first aid refresher training, taking part in practical scenarios and equipment familiarisation to ensure they remain confident and prepared to provide the highest standard of care during frontline emergencies. 🚑💙

✅ Reports of Suspected Pheasant Poaching - The team assisted colleagues in West Dorset with an investigation into a report of the behaviour of the occupants in a suspicious vehicle, believed to be catapulting pheasants on private land. The vehicle was located by officers and enquiries remain ongoing into the activity of the occupants. 🎯🪶

✅ Community Resolution Issued - A 32-year-old male received a Community Resolution following reports of criminal damage and the theft of silage bales in West Dorset. During interview, he admitted the offences and agreed to compensate the victim for both the damage caused and losses incurred. 🌾⚖️

✅ Suspicious Activity on Farmland - Following reports of suspicious activity on farmland in East Dorset, officers stop-searched three teenagers and recovered catapults and am******on. The individuals were returned home to their parents, and enquiries remain ongoing. 🚜

✅ Suspected Cloned/Stolen Vehicle Seized - A suspected cloned/stolen Ford Ranger was located in Winton and seized by officers. The vehicle will undergo a full examination to establish its true identity and rightful ownership. 🔎🚔

✅ Working Together for Equine Welfare - On Thursday morning, officers attended a multi-agency meeting alongside partners from World Horse Welfare, the RSPCA, Mare and Foal Sanctuary, The Donkey Sanctuary and Dorset Council. The meeting focused on information sharing, safeguarding and strengthening future partnership working around equine welfare. 🤝🐎

✅ Supporting Major Events – Later that evening, some of the team swapped the countryside for Bournemouth town centre, helping to ensure the AFC Bournemouth v AC Milan fixture was safe, smooth and enjoyable for everyone attending. A great evening, and a fantastic result for the Cherries! 🍒⚽

✅ Supporting Frontline Policing - Throughout the week, the team also assisted response officers with a number of emergency incidents, helping to reduce demand on frontline policing and keep communities safe across Dorset. 🚔💙

🙏 Thank you to the farmers, landowners, partner agencies and members of the public who continue to report concerns and share information with us. Your information and support are invaluable in helping us tackle rural crime and protect Dorset's rural communities.

17/10/2026

Rural Crime Team Weekly Update

It has been another proactive week for the team, with officers recovering stolen property, progressing wildlife crime investigations, engaging with communities, and continuing targeted patrols in rural hotspot locations.

Stolen Plant Recovery - Spetisbury
Officers recovered a stolen mini digger in Spetisbury on Monday. Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the theft and recovery.

Stolen Scooter Recovered - Wimborne
Officers recovered a Yamaha Delight scooter in Wimborne after it was found in suspicious circumstances. The scooter is believed to be stolen and has been seized while enquiries continue to establish ownership and the circumstances surrounding its presence in the area.

Wildlife Crime Outcome
A 38-year-old man from Verwood has received a Community Resolution after admitting responsibility for the destruction of a bat roost. As part of the resolution, he was required to undertake agreed restorative actions and make a financial contribution. Bat roosts are protected by law, and damaging, destroying, or obstructing access to a roost is a criminal offence.

Officer Development
Team officers have attended data tag training, helping to enhance investigative opportunities and support crime prevention work across Dorset.

Community Engagement
Officers attended a Community Contact Point in Dorchester, providing residents with advice, reassurance, and an opportunity to discuss local concerns.

Vehicle Crime Investigation - Gillingham
A 26-year-old man has been charged and remanded following the recovery of two stolen and cloned vehicles in Gillingham. He has also been charged with possession of drugs.

Rural Patrols Continue
The team has continued to conduct high-visibility patrols in areas known for poaching and rural crime, providing reassurance to rural communities and disrupting criminal activity.

Thank you to everyone who continues to report suspicious activity. Information from the public remains invaluable in helping us tackle rural crime and protect our communities.

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

🚜 Tackling Machinery Theft Through Training and Partnership 🚜

This week, officers from our Roads Policing Team and Neighbourhood Policing Teams received valuable inputs from guest speakers from Datatag and the National Construction and Agriculture Theft Team (NCATT).

The session focused on current trends in machinery theft and provided practical guidance on how to identify stolen plant and agricultural equipment. Officers had the opportunity to examine a range of machinery firsthand, including telehandlers, trailers, quad bikes and other commonly targeted equipment.

By increasing awareness of theft methods, identifying security markings and understanding key inspection points, our officers are better equipped to disrupt criminality and recover stolen property.

A huge thank you to Datatag and NCATT for sharing their expertise and helping us strengthen our response to rural and machinery crime across Dorset. Furthermore a huge thankyou to the farmer which allowed us to use his machinery and his premises!

A whole force approach is taken to tackling rural crime and inputs will continue to make sure our officers are properly equipped to tackle the theft of plant machinery.

14/10/2026

CHARGED | A man has been charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Officers were made aware of an altercation between two men at around 6.35pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026 in Damory Street in Blandford. No serious injuries were sustained.

Police attended and a knife was seized. Following enquiries, a 38-year-old man from Blandford has been charged and is due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court on Monday 14 December 2026.