Hampshire Police have launched a series of proactive overnight operations targeting rural crime across Test Valley, including areas near Andover, Stockbridge, and the surrounding villages.
Led by the districts’ Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, the intelligence-led operations are designed to disrupt criminals operating under the cover of darkness, particularly those involved in the theft of farming equipment, plant machinery, and other rural offences.
The operations have involved teams from multiple units, including Country Watch, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Priority Crime Teams, Roads Policing, and Dog Units—using both marked and unmarked vehicles, off-road motorbikes, and drone equipment.
April Operation Highlights:
On the night of Friday 11 April, 25 officers carried out a sweep of locations including:
- Micheldever
- The Wallops
- Stockbridge
- Soberton Heath
- West Meon Hut
49 vehicles were stopped and six people searched.
A 29-year-old man from Andover was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving on Winchester Road, near Stockbridge. He has been released under investigation.
A pit bike was seized near West Meon and the rider received a Section 59 warning for riding illegally on a public road.
May Operation Highlights:
A second operation took place on Friday 9 May, covering:
- Sutton Scotney
- New Alresford
- Hinton Ampner
- Hursley
A 21-year-old man from New Alresford was arrested for drug-driving near Percy Hobbs Roundabout, Winchester, and has also been released under investigation.
In another stop, a man was given advice after being found fishing without a rod licence—an offence under the Theft Act 1968.
Police Statement:
Sergeant Matt Underwood said:
“Rural crime is often carried out by organised criminals who think they can operate under the cover of darkness. This is simply unacceptable.
“We’ve used both police intelligence and public reports to plan these operations—and we will continue to do so as we head into summer.”
He added that public input is vital, urging anyone who notices suspicious vehicles, burnt-out or damaged cars, or unfamiliar activity in rural areas to report it.
How to Report:
- Call 101 or report online at: www.hampshire.police.uk
- In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, call 999
- To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org
- If you’re a business connected to rural or wildlife environments, you may also be eligible to join the DISC information-sharing system. Email discreports@hampshire.police.uk