The Leominster Safer Neighbourhood Team’s (SNT) multi-agency rural crime operation – ‘Stop That Sheep’ – has been hailed a success by all agencies involved.
Officers stopped around 50 agricultural and livestock vehicles on Wednesday (August 9), as well as trade vans and drop-side lorries so partner agencies could check for valid licenses and assess the condition of the vehicles.
Run in partnership with Herefordshire Council Animal Health & Welfare Team and Herefordshire Council Community Protection Team, two vehicle check points were set up on Old Hereford Road and Mill Street in Leominster.
Leominster SNT officers checked vehicle and driver documentation, ensured the roadworthiness of vehicles, and confirmed the legitimate ownership of trailers being pulled and/or plant machinery being carried.
Animal welfare officers carried out document checks for livestock on board and assessed the suitability of vehicles being used for transport.
The enforcement teams looked at scrap and waste carriers and looked out for fly-tipping offences.
Sgt Nicola Holgate of Leominster SNT said the multi-agency initiative had been a success and will help deter rural crime in the area.
“Our objective was engagement first and enforcement where necessary. Most people stopped were happy to see us as some had themselves fell victim to rural crimes such as stolen machinery and plant, or livestock theft,” she said.
“We were positively received by the public and, fortunately, there wasn’t a huge requirement for police advisories on this occasion.”
