Staffordshire Police patrols have been carried out across the county's countryside, including agricultural communities and beauty spots, as part of a week-long operation to tackle rural crime.

Staffordshire Police's Rural and Wildlife Crime Team targeted areas including the Moorlands, as well as parts of the Peak District, along with locations in the centre and south of the county such as Cannock Chase.

The operation, which took place last week, saw officers, supported by the force's Special Constabulary, visit areas where there have been reports of anti-social behaviour, suspicious activity and Heritage Crime – an offence where damage has been caused to World Heritage Sites, listed buildings, conservation areas and parks.

During the week of action officers executed two search warrants in the Moorlands relating to illegally held firearms where one weapon and ammunition were surrendered. Investigations into that matter are continuing.

Chief Inspector Mark Thorley, commander of Moorlands Neighbourhood Policing Team, is one of the force's leads for rural and wildlife crime. He said: "Due to their remote locations it is important that our rural communities feel reassured that we are here to act on their concerns – and understand what matters to them.

"While weeks such as this can result in enforcement action being taken they also act as an opportunity for our officers to provide a visible presence in rural communities and gather intelligence on any issues in those locations.

"Our officers have been able to engage with not only residents but visitors to beauty spots to listen to their concerns and also help make people aware of their responsibilities when walking through these locations.

"While this was a dedicated week of action, our officers continue to regularly patrol the county's rural locations to tackle the crimes impacting those communities."

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