10 officers to join Thames Valley Police rural crime team

Thames Valley Police's Rural Crime Taskforce will recruit 10 additional officers to its team.

Launched in March 2022, the taskforce, consisting of a team of officers and intelligence support, aims to confront and reduce rural crime while making the Thames Valley a hostile environment for criminals.

Comprising of 10 officers, two sergeants, and an inspector, the team works with partners and communities throughout the Thames Valley to combat serious, organised rural crime and bolster safety across rural areas.

The taskforce has seized more than £5 million worth of property, including vehicles, drugs, plant machinery, and tools since its inception.

The team has also successfully completed hundreds of investigations and has provided crime prevention advice to hundreds of residents.

Following these results, police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber confirmed an increase in officers within his 2024/2025 police funding budget to further combat rural crime.

The addition of the ten new officers to the taskforce will extend the team's reach and influence to crack down on rural crime, providing a safer living environment for rural homeowners.