A CAMPAIGN to tackle rural crime included police stop checks in Basingstoke and Hook.

Six vehicles were served with prohibition notices, and one was seized for containing red diesel, during Operation Festive, which took place between 9am and 11pm on Wednesday, September 17.

As well as Basingstoke and Hook, the 25 officers that took part completed checks and searches in Aldershot, Alton and Winchester.

Police said four people, all from outside Hampshire, were arrested in connection with other offences. Officers said the checks provided intelligence and restricted travelling criminals from using the roads.

Safer neighbourhoods Sergeant Shaun Stinson, who led the operation for Hampshire, said: “These operations are vital in helping us send a strong message to those who travel to rural communities to commit crime.

“We know that those responsible for this activity pay no attention to county borders and our approach to policing is the same.

“This operation once again enabled us to gain information about vehicles used to commit criminal damage and trespass on land and we also gathered useful intelligence about people linked to distraction offences.”

Other forces to take part in the day of action included Wiltshire, Thames Valley and Gloucestershire.