Volunteers on horseback to give Dorset Police new perspective on rural crime

EQUESTRIANS are helping Dorset Police gallop ahead with a new scheme to tackle rural crime across the county.

The first four rural mounted volunteers (RMV) will engage with local communities while out on regular hacks along bridleways, lanes and country roads.

It is hoped this will help prevent offences by gathering important information and reporting suspicious activity to the rural crime team.

Supporting officers like Neighbourhood Watch groups, the first RMVs were welcomed at a recent launch ceremony at Kingston Maurward College.

The scheme has been funded by Dorset Police and is supported by police and crime commissioner David Sidwick.

All RMVs have been issued with high-visibility jackets featuring ‘Police Volunteer’ and their horses have reflective sheets and leg wrappings.

Mr Sidwick said: “Having mounted rural volunteers will help further connect the Dorset Police rural crime team with the communities they serve, as well as offer a unique vantage point that will not only gather intelligence that may have been missed by standard patrols, but improve visibility within our rural communities.”

Dorset Police volunteers come from all walks of life and bring with them an array of skills and experiences.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Neil Corrigan said: “Our rural mounted volunteers will make a real difference in helping us to tackle crime in our rural areas.

“They are a valuable link between the police and rural communities, particularly in the more isolated areas, and this is something we’ve been prioritising.”

For more information about the initiative, or to apply to volunteer, email contact.vol@dorset.pnn.police.uk