Wildlife crime issues.

Issued 03 February 2026

Police have issued a Community Protection Warning to an individual involved in poaching in the local countryside. This includes illegal activity such as poaching, lamping, and hare coursing. The warning applies across seven police force areas. This means the individual is not allowed to travel to other counties to continue this behaviour in rural communities.

To help protect local areas, warning signs have also been provided to communities where poaching is reported most often. These signs were supplied at the request of local councils and are intended to warn and discourage people from coming into these areas to carry out poaching.

We continue to work closely with local councils, residents, and our partners in the Rural Task Force to tackle wildlife crime and protect rural communities.

Actioned 23 March 2026

Farm equipment thefts.

Issued 03 February 2026

Officers carried out high‑visibility patrols over several days, focusing on suspicious vehicles in remote and vulnerable rural areas. This included routes that are known to be used by criminals.

We also worked closely with Sussex Police during a joint cross‑border operation to tackle farm equipment theft and share intelligence. As part of this work, a number of vehicles were stopped, useful information was gathered, and extra reassurance was provided to people living in rural communities.

Property‑marking events are also taking place across the district. We encourage farmers and landowners to have their equipment marked, as this helps deter theft and makes stolen items easier to identify and return.

Following concerns raised about a farm in Ruckinge linked to rural crime, and intelligence suggesting stolen items were being stored there, officers carried out checks at the location. During this visit, two stolen Land Rovers were recovered. The vehicles had been stolen from outside the area, and the investigation is ongoing.

Actioned 23 March 2026

Road safety issues.

Issued 03 February 2026

Ashford Community Safety Unit officers are carrying out regular, high‑visibility patrols across the district to improve road safety and deal with traffic offences. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being used to help identify uninsured and unlicensed drivers. This follows concerns raised by local residents and information reported to Crimestoppers.

In February, two vehicles using suspected cloned number plates and linked to drug supply were stopped in the Hamstreet area after failing to stop for police. One vehicle was involved in a collision and the other was abandoned. Both vehicles were seized and removed from the roads. Three people were arrested as part of a wider drugs investigation involving Kent and Sussex Police.

Officers have also been patrolling the Sevington Inland Border Facility following concerns about damage caused by lorries. During this work, a search of a heavy goods vehicle led to the seizure of illegal tobacco and a quantity of cash. Two men were arrested for excise and importation offences.

We will continue to patrol the area and take action to keep our community safe.

Actioned 23 March 2026