WEST Craven farmers and communities are being urged to join a scheme aimed at cutting crime in rural areas.

Rural Watch, run by Lancashire Constabulary, allows the police to share information with country businesses and residents who can be hard to reach.

Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp, chairman of the Pendle Community Safety Partnership, said: “In recent months there’s been an increase in thefts involving the farming community. This includes machinery, livestock, tools and fuel.

“Rural Watch is a simple but effective scheme which encourages people in sparsely populated areas to be extra vigilant.”

Since January 2014, three Land Rovers, four quad bikes and four tractors have been stolen. There have also been 11 thefts from agricultural vehicles and 42 sheep or lambs were stolen.

Members of the scheme are alerted by email or text message of any suspicious behaviour or recent crimes, which then allows them to take precautions to keep their land and property safe.

Watch liaison officer Keith Sandham, who operates the scheme, said: “Rural Watch helps us to form closer links with farmers and communities and with more than 700 members we’re able to spread messages widely.

“As well as us passing on police intelligence, members are encouraged to tell us of sightings of suspicious vehicles, poachers or other unusual activity.”

To join Rural Watch, contact Keith on 01282 472 938 or e-mail keith.sandham2@lancashire.pnn.police.uk