Residents living in Richmondshire's remote villages and
farms are being urged to join in an initiative to help stamp out
rural crime.
Although crime levels in the district are among the lowest in
the entire country, communities in and around Richmond and the
Dales do still get targeted by opportunist thieves, often coming
from outside the county.
As the cost of raw materials rises, these groups are
increasingly targeting scrap metal, diesel and heating oil, as well
as Land Rovers, quad and trail bikes, trailers and building
equipment.
With funding from Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership,
officers from North Yorkshire Police have helped local communities
to set up "watches" in Wensleydale and Swaledale, and Border Watch
around Richmond. These schemes encourage local residents who are
regularly out and about to report any suspicious activity or
vehicles to the police.
Loosely based on Neighbourhood Watch schemes in more urban
areas, watch members have a direct line to the North Yorkshire
Police Force Control Room, and regular contact with local officers
on the ground.
Following the success of the watches, similar schemes are
getting underway in Bedale, Masham and Thirsk, and working closely
with similar schemes and police in County Durham.
Pat Wilson, of Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership
(RCSP), said: "These watch schemes have been really well supported
by local communities here in Richmondshire, and we're delighted
that so many volunteers have already given us their support.
Richmondshire is a very low crime area, but it's our job to make it
even safer, and these watches are really contributing to that
aim."
Sergeant Mark Hughes, of Leyburn Safer Neighbourhood Team, said:
"The efforts being made by members of the watch schemes have
already produced tangible results. Anyone who feels that they could
get involved with one of the watches, or may benefit from
developing a similar scheme in their area, should contact the
police or RCSP."
You can contact RCSP on 01748 829100.
Print page