A new crime fighting initiative has been launched this week to help tackle offences in rural areas of the county.

Kent Police announced the formation of the Rural Crime Task Force at the county's Rural Crime Conference today.

Launched by the Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes and Michael Bax, Chairman of the Crime Rural Action Group, the unit will incorporate the existing Gypsy Liaison Team and the Rural Liaison Team.

It will focus on directly targeting those who cause harm to rural communities and will consist of officers, specially-trained to deal with wildlife crime such as hare coursing and poaching.

Ch con Alan Pughsley said: “By forming the task force we are making the best use of our resources in a dedicated unit so we can effectively tackle rural crime and antisocial behaviour.

“The new task force will work alongside members of the rural community, partner agencies, the National Farmers’ Union, the Country Land and Business Association and other stakeholders as well as build on the great achievements by the Rural Liaison Team and the Gypsy Liaison Team.”

As well as investigating rural crime, the team will also carry out pre-planned activities, such as the recent Operation Nonagon, alongside partner agencies Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent County Council.

The operation was held overnight on September 17 and involved more than 90 officers working together to tackle countryside offences.

Two men were arrested during warrants in Dover and Boughton-under-Blean near Faversham for theft offences, another man was arrested for failing to stop and driving a stolen vehicle in Thanet, a stolen caravan in Hartlip was returned to its rightful owner and a number of driving offences were detected at stop checks in High Halden.

PCC Ann Barnes said: “Like many people in Kent I live in a rural community – and – like many people in Kent I know that the countryside can be both idyllic and also quite isolating and daunting.

“The officers have already made great inroads into working with the rural community and we are seeing excellent results that they are able to achieve as a team.”