Police tackle rural crime in Shropshire in 'Operation Whitebeam' - here's why
The county's police force has conducted a special operation involving 18 officers from eight different units to tackle rural crime.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
West Mercia Police carried out 'Operation Whitebeam' on Friday evening and into the early hours of Saturday morning (October 19) using targeted patrols and the disruption of key "high risk" areas that have been identified by the intelligence department and local Officers.
The operation is held several times a year and involved police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) from eight Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
During the operation, 50 vehicle checks were conducted and two vehicles were seized, both without insurance, tax or a valid MOT.
Police said two vehicles that were being driven in a suspicious manner were also stopped and searched and one driver was also searched.
The force added that "valuable intelligence" was gained on a number of suspects and eight detailed reports have been submitted so that other officers are aware of information.
In the earlier part of Operation Whitebeam this weekend, officers visited several farms, providing security and crime prevention advice. West Mercia Police said officers encountered a "high-risk domestic violence incident" where a victim had fled after being assaulted by their ex-partner.
An arrest package for the suspect was completed for other officers who will continue to search for the offender to make an arrest.
Why did West Mercia Police conduct Operation Whitebeam in Shropshire?
A post by Shropshire Police said: "On the evening of Friday, October 18 and into the early hours of Saturday, Ocotober 19, 18 police officers and Police Community Support Officers from eight Safer Neighbourhood Teams were involved in conducting Operation Whitebeam.
"The purpose of the operation, which is held several times a year, is to tackle rural crime by using targeted patrols and the disruption of key 'high risk' areas that have been identified by the intelligence department and local Officers.
"As a result of the operation, 50 vehicle checks were conducted and two vehicles were seized, both had no insurance, tax or MOT. Two vehicles being driven in a manner that was suspicious were stopped and searched and the driver of one of these was also searched.
"Valuable intelligence was gained on a number of suspects and eight detailed reports have been submitted so that other Officers are aware of the information.
"In the earlier part of the evening Officers visited several farms, providing security and crime prevention advice. In addition, Officers explained the Police Neighbourhood Matters Messaging service and signed up another five households.
"Officers came across a high-risk domestic violence incident where a victim had fled after being assaulted by their ex-partner, an arrest package for the suspect was completed for other Officers, who will continue the search for the offender to make an arrest.
"Officers have serviced 15 Town and Parish Council Priorities as part of the community charter during the operation."
