HAMPSHIRE Constabulary’s Country Watch team is currently engaged in Operation Falcon – a force-wide drive to reduce rural crime.

And this month’s primary priorities are non-dwelling burglary, deer and hare poaching, and theft from vehicles parked in beauty spots.

As a result of Operation Falcon, officers are contacting people within East Hampshire to make them aware of the issues involved and to offer prevention advice.

Advice to tackle shed and barn theft includes placing all tools and garden equipment in locked sheds, barns and garages, securing more expensive items to an anchor point within the shed, barn or garage, recording serial numbers and marking all items with a postcode, for example using ultra violet pens or forensic-marking kits.

Other tips include taking photographs of items if they are unusual or unique for easy identification at a later date, fitting an alarm, keeping the structure in good repair, considering covering windows with curtains to obscure the view of contents, considering the use of external lighting, and ensuring fences and boundaries are in good repair to prevent unlawful access.

Ideas to tackle theft from vehicles include parking in well-lit, well-used and signposted areas, being careful about parking in isolation as thieves can be put off when other people are around, not leaving anything in your vehicle, taking items with you rather than locking them in the boot, leaving items of value at home, and making sure you do not leave documents which contain personal details in your vehicle.

Vehicle owners should also make sure they don’t leave any sat navs in their vehicle and should remove the cradle and wipe the sucker marks from the windscreen. They should also remember to shut all windows and sun roofs and lock all doors, activate the alarm and immobiliser, and make use of any security products such as a steering lock.

To help tackle poaching, the police suggest making it as difficult as possible for people to gain access to your property. Suggestions include fitting raised bollards or digging ditches around the perimeter.

If possible, all private access points that are no longer used should be removed and a single point of entry and exit should be established. Large logs placed in front of gates will restrict access, provided the owner doesn’t need regular access as well.

People should also consider CCTV or alarm systems that will capture pictures and send alerts to your mobile phone or e-mail. Ensure you erect signage that your CCTV is in use, the purpose being to deter immediately rather than capture images of who is using your land. Also, talk to neighbours, find out what they know, and keep an eye out for each other.

For more advice, call the police on 101.