An innovative scheme pioneered by Wiltshire police Dog Section to reduce levels of rural crime has now been extended to other areas of Wiltshire.

In October 2008 farmers in the Longbridge Deverill area were experiencing thefts of fuel and metal from their land.

In an attempt to reduce these incidents and act as a deterrent, Wiltshire Police Dog Section conducted high visibility visits to the affected farms and the farmers allowed the officers to train police dogs on their land.

The scheme was deemed a huge success and saw levels of thefts fall in the area.

Working with Wiltshire Police’s Rural Crime Unit, it has now been extended to farms in other areas of the county including Aldbourne, Marlborough and Hungerford, which have seen thefts of high value items such as quad bikes and farm machinery increase over recent months.

The scheme has so far received overwhelming support from farmers in these areas. Mr Ringo Hine, a farmer from Marlborough, stated: “I am very pleased to be taking part in this scheme.

"At the moment my farm buildings are broken into at least two to three times a year.

"I’m sure this scheme will deter thieves as the police will be using my land both day and night for the training.

"Also, warning signs will be placed at public entry points and high visibility police vehicles will be present”.

Bob Pocock, senior dog instructor said: “We are committed to reducing levels of rural crime and this scheme will not only act as a deterrent to thieves but will provide the police with large, open spaces on which to train our dogs, which we are very grateful for.

"We will be primarily using the land for training general purpose dogs in tracking and searching skills and in chasing and detaining people on the run. This scheme is an excellent example of how we can work together with the local community to combat crime.”