Police team takes on new recruits

Sussex Police’s rural crime team is set to be boosted by the arrival of four new police officers.

The team’s monthly update, released on Thursday, said: “We have been pressing forward with new processes and activities to maximise our intelligence gathering and operational practices.

“Our work with other policing teams across Sussex, combined with partnerships with the Environment Agency and other enforcement teams means that collectively our impact on those offending in rural areas will be greater than ever.

“The recruitment of four new police officers to the team, who will be joining us soon, will really help increase our reach across Sussex and our impact on organised crime groups whose selfish actions affect the lives and businesses of so many people.”

The update mentioned how harvest season would lead to an ‘extremely busy time’ in the countryside and police urged motorists to take care on country lanes, especially when approaching bends.

They said: “Be patient when following farm vehicles on main roads. That sudden impulse to overtake could result in a serious collision.

“That slow-moving tractor briefly delaying our journey is a critical part of the process in putting food in our supermarkets and restaurants. We also ask tractor drivers to stay mindful of the risks too and pull over periodically when safe to do so, allowing other motorists to pass.”

West Sussex successes last month included the recovery of a digger stolen in Surrey, which was found by the rural crime team in Horsham.