HERTFORDSHIRE police have launched an operation to try and combat cross-border crime to make it harder for criminals to operate. Storm Shadow will be controlled by Herts police as they link with Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex in an attempt to tack

HERTFORDSHIRE police have launched an operation to try and combat cross-border crime to make it harder for criminals to operate.

Storm Shadow will be controlled by Herts police as they link with Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex in an attempt to tackle crime throughout the region.

The operation has been launched following an increase in the theft of metals, equestrian equipment, diesel, plant equipment, scrap metals, bulk tools, quad bikes and agricultural machinery.

It is hoped Operation Storm Shadow will reduce burglary and theft offences at commercial premises, barns, stables, farms and industrial estates.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is believed to be one of the first forces in the country to launch an operation dedicated to these types of crimes and involve cross border links with neighbouring counties.

Head of the operation Det Ch Insp Jeremy Tattersall said: "Operation Storm Shadow is about significantly reducing levels of cross border crime in the Eastern Area.

"Through prevention and intelligence gathering, and with the support of traders and the rural farming communities, we will create a hostile environment for criminals who wish to operate in this area."

Theft of equine equipment is one of the main areas being tackled, due to the volume of theft and the cost of the equipment being taken.

DCI Tattersall added: "The theft of these items is having a significant impact on our rural communities and traders.

"Equipment that is being taken is very expensive and, due to the global increase in the cost of raw materials, the thefts are proving to be very costly to victims."

Since July this year there have been 10 offences in the Eastern Area, including thefts of horse boxes, horse mats, over 70 saddles, trailers and tack.

Other items taken during the same period include copper, scrap metals, bulk tools, strimmers, mowers and agricultural machinery.

DCI Tattersall warned that anyone caught carrying out crimes during the operation would be dealt with accordingly.

"This operation will enable us to identify those responsible for this type of crime and deal with those involved in it accordingly," added DCI Tattersall.

"By working with the communities we serve we will create an unwelcome environment for these offenders to operate in.