EQUINE RANGERS could be seen galloping across Hampshire to crackdown on rural crime.

A team of specially trained horse riders could be set up to tackle crime in less populated areas of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The idea which involves volunteer riders kitted out with specialist IT gear is being spearheaded by Donna Jones.

The Conservative candidate for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner claims the riders would act as the eyes and ears of the police in the less populated parts of the county.

With funding coming from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s budget the initiative would combat fly-tipping to theft from outbuildings.

Donna wants a new police deal for the rural population and has proposed using drones to gather information.

She said “People living outside major towns and cities sometimes feel ignored by the police. Crimes occur in their villages and on their farms, yet too often nothing is done about it.”

“There will never be a police officer in every village, but by working with volunteers, we can make real progress in the fight against the anti-social behaviour and criminality that can blight rural areas.”

The equine rangers will reportedly be able to cover ground that cannot easily be accessed by car or on foot.

The project follows on from an initiative in Sussex.

Donna says she is committed to borrowing from projects that have successfully tackled crime in other areas.