A CLAMPDOWN against rural crime in Avon and Somerset yielded good results, say police.

Dozens of officers across the Avon and Somerset force area took part in an overnight operation to deter and disrupt rural crime on Friday (13 February).

Dubbed Operation Midas, the intiative involved extended patrols across the countryside and stop-checks on vehicles suspected of involvement in fuel, plant equipment, tool and livestock theft.

The driver of a Ford Transit, which had been reported stolen from Bampton, was arrested and taken into custody at Bridgwater. The vehicle was returned to its owner.

This was just one among 70 suspect vehicles stopped on the night.

Six were searched, including two which have resulted in further questioning for their occupants on drugs and weapon offences, and two others which had broken traffic regulations.

A popular feature of the operation was the inclusion of members of the rural community on ride-alongs with local officers. Seven took part on the day.

Avon and Somerset rural crime lead superintendant Geoff Wessell: said: "This was a brilliant effort by forces across the region to cooperate on crime in our countryside, and I'm pleased with the outcome of Operation Midas.

"A collective approach is vital for tackling rural crime which is why we were also pleased to welcome vehicle crime experts from the NFU on the operation, as well as members of the rural communities on local ride-alongs.

Supt Wessell said similar operations would take place over the coming months - in addition to the day-to-day work of the force's rural crime team and local officers.

In the Mendip area, officers spotted a new tractor towing a large feed mixer without registration or trade plates and stopped them on suspicion of being stolen.

They were not stolen, but both the driver and the operator, from the Wanstrow area, have been reported for traffic offences including driving without insurance.

Intelligence about suspicious activities and vehicles is seen vital to police work. Rural residents seeing anyone acting suspiciously are asked to call 101 or ring Crimestoppers.