Police have unveiled a new weapon to help them tackle crime in the countryside - volunteers on horseback.

Rural Mounted Volunteers will be deployed across the county, acting as eyes and ears for rural crime officers. 

 

They will talk to people in communities while out on their regular hacks along bridleways, lanes and country roads, gathering important information and reporting anything suspicious - providing an extra piece of intelligence for Dorset Police. 

All volunteers have been issued with a high-visibility jacket featuring ‘Police Volunteer’ and their horses have been equipped with reflective sheets and leg wrappings.

They will have no powers of arrest or detainment - but have years of horse-riding experience and local knowledge.

The volunteers have been given training around what the Rural Crime Team is currently doing as well as first aid training and de-escalation training, which will help them respond better on the scenes.

The scheme has been funded by Dorset Police and is supported by the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Sidwick.

Dorset Echo:

The Echo was invited to an event at Kingston Maurward Equestrian Centre to meet the people involved.

Volunteer Emma Stephens has been riding for nearly 50 years and keeps her ponies in Wool.

She said: “I have a nice base and will be able to cover very rural areas from Lulworth to Moreton.  

“It’s really important and volunteering is a good fit for me because I still get to do what I love."

Neil Corrigan, acting Assistant Chief Constable, said “Dorset Police have been engaging a lot more with the community and understand the concerns of the community."

He added: “(The volunteers') high visibility will be great in a rural setting and they will be a valuable part of the team.”

PCC David Sidwick said: “I think it’s really important - this is the next part of what we’re trying to do to keep rural communities safe in Dorset.

“Our team has gone from three officers in the Rural Crime Team to 18, and even with our resources there are swathes of the Dorset countryside that are difficult to reach by a car and people frequently ride across this area.

“In effect the Rural Mounted Volunteers will be a neighbourhood watch with Dorset Police as they’ll be able to go places and see things that the police might not be aware of.”

Dorset Echo:

Reporter Alfie Lumb meets a volunteer 

Overall, Dorset has seen a 28 per cent reduction in rural crime recently and officers have recovered £1.3 million in cash and assets, which they are in the process of returning.