A NEW scheme to cut thefts of trailers, boats and caravans has been launched by police.

Led by Countrywatch officers in the western wards of the county, the campaign aims to encourage owners to mark their vehicles with their postcodes.

The drive was launched with a simulated exercise involving the force Air Support Unit which filmed a trailer with a postcoded roof as it travelled through the New Forest and along the M27.

The vehicle was being driven by Countrywatch officers who said they were unaware of the aircraft presence above and how much detail could be picked out from the skies.

The trailer, which travelled from Ower Services, through parts of the New Forest, to Rownhams Services on the M27, was later intercepted by a police patrol car.

Countrywatch officer PC Derek Grist said: "All trailer owners are encouraged to mark their vehicles. It is a simple process and it shows, as this exercise proved, that there is a greater possibility of their property being recovered if it is stolen.

"I was unaware of the aircraft's presence above me while driving during the exercise. I was equally surprised to hear how much detail can be seen by officers in the air.

"As well as picking out the trailer in the busy traffic, the air support team were even able to make out some small details from my uniform."

The exercise was organised by Countrywatch, an initiative being piloted by the Western Operational Command Unit (OCU), to help reduce crime in rural areas.

Western OCU commander Chief Supt Ann Wakefield said: "Although crime levels within our rural communities are very low, residents can carry out a number of self-initiated crime reduction precautions to help keep them that way. Identifiable marking of farmyard equipment and machinery should always be considered along with checking security of outbuildings."