Culture | Posted on February 26th, 2026 | return to news

Combined operation in Dorset tackles rural crime

A combined operation in the east of the county saw several offences identified, including an overweight vehicle and an insecure load.

Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team has worked with neighbouring forces to tackle waste crime in rural areas.

Officers were joined by partners from the Environment Agency and Dorset Council, together with colleagues from Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

In the east of the county, officers were joined by teams from the Environment Agency and the local authority, with a focus on enforcement action around vehicles linked to waste crime. Further vehicle stops were carried out in the area of the A35 Puddletown bypass.

Meanwhile, rural police community support officers held a series of engagement events to offer education and advice to members of rural communities on crime prevention, while the drone team provided support for patrols focused on poaching.

The joint operation in the east of the county saw 10 vehicles stopped, five of which were subject to inspections by the Environment Agency. Although no illegal waste was detected, officers identified several other offences.

One driver was arrested following a positive drugs wipe test, and nine further tickets were issued for separate offences, including an overweight vehicle, an insecure load and no insurance.

Three vehicles were issued with prohibition notices due to being unsafe to be driven on the road. This requires the owners to take remedial action.

Officers operating around the Puddletown bypass stopped a total of 21 vehicles, including caravans, trailers and plant machinery. These vehicles were checked against various registers and databases, with one driver issued with a traffic offence report and words of advice given to other motorists.

Inspector Adam Gill, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “I want to thank all those who came along to support this joint day of action in Dorset.

“By harnessing the combined knowledge and expertise of regional colleagues and partner agencies, it gives us the best possible chance of tackling rural criminality, which is often linked to organised crime and operates across county borders.

“We also recognise the blight that waste crime has on our environment and rural communities, and we are committed to working with our partners to tackling this issue.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am pleased to see Dorset Police working together with neighbouring forces and partner agencies in the latest Operation Ragwort. This operation is about standing shoulder to shoulder with our rural communities and making it clear that crime in Dorset’s countryside will not be tolerated.

“Criminals do not respect county borders, so it is vital that we work seamlessly with neighbouring forces and partners to strengthen intelligence, increase visible policing and ensure those who target farms, businesses and wildlife know they will be pursued and brought to justice. Protecting rural Dorset is a priority, and Operation Ragwort is a key part of delivering on that commitment.”

Environment Agency enforcement officer Clive Clasby said: “Waste crime adversely affects communities, undermines legitimate waste businesses and damages the environment. The Environment Agency will vigorously pursue those who flout the law.

“If you’re paying someone to take waste away, which could be a tradesperson or a man with a van, make sure they are a registered waste carrier.

“We have a public register on the Environment Agency website so anyone can do a quick search and check if the individual or company is legitimate.

“If you suspect that waste crime is taking place in your community, contact our 24/7 Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60, or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

Cllr Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Housing, said: “We were very pleased to join forces with our colleagues at Dorset Police to work together on combating rural crime and making our county safer and nicer for everyone.

“Waste crime is a serious problem in rural areas and is one we do not tolerate. Together, we will act to prevent this and take enforcement action against those who are responsible.”