A new South Yorkshire Police operation has been launched to tackle rural crime across Doncaster as officers carried out a day of action which led to arrests, vehicle seizures and the recovery of stolen property.
Operation Hawthorne aims to protect farmers and countryside communities from theft, fly-tipping and off-road bike nuisance.
Chief Inspector Pete Spratt, who leads South Yorkshire Police’s rural and wildlife crime work, said: “Rural crime doesn’t just affect property—it impacts livelihoods, communities, and trust. Our officers are committed to tackling these offences head-on, using intelligence-led policing and community partnerships to make our countryside safer for everyone.”
On 14 October, Tuesday, South Yorkshire Police’s Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team worked with Doncaster’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the National Construction and Agriculture Theft Team, council animal health officers and local farmers to carry out a day of action.
Officers patrolled large areas of countryside on foot, in cars, on motorcycles and with drones.
A quad bike was seen driving illegally across farmland and was stopped using a stinger device.
Although the suspect escaped, a trailer, believed to have been used to steal fuel, was later found abandoned in a nearby field.
During the operation, police recovered a stolen horsebox, seized a van driven by a disqualified driver and impounded a BMW with no insurance.
Two arrests were made, one for drink-driving and one for an outstanding warrant.
Drones were also used to survey fields and farmyards, helping officers identify weak spots in fencing and access points that could be exploited by criminals.
“We are working hard to address the issues that matter to you. Your feedback continues to drive our activity and provide us with the intelligence to target our resources.” Inspector Spratt added.
Police are urging residents to continue reporting suspicious activity through local neighbourhood teams or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Operation Hawthorne will continue throughout the coming months, with further patrols and targeted enforcement planned.