Police, trading standards and environmental health officers were out in force to clamp down on livestock theft and the illegal slaughter and movement of meat.

The action was part of a district-wide police action which also focused on cross-border crime.

Inspector Will Scarlett, the Safer Neighbourhood inspector for Craven Rural, said 63 vehicles were stopped and four minor breaches of movement licences were detected.

“The feedback from farmers was very positive and supportive of what the enforcement agencies were doing,” he said.

Officers had also been at key areas in the district which had suffered rural crime in a bid to deter travelling criminals.

He said: “As a result of these 24- hour patrols, no crime was reported in the rural area the following day, which was a real positive.

“Together with our Countrywatch initiative, we hope this type of action sends a message to criminals who think about travelling into our communities. We are looking out for you and we will catch you.”