North Yorkshire Police are urging people to support the Country Watch scheme in order to protect property in rural areas.

The scheme involves farmers and police working together to safeguard properties and tackle problems such as poaching.

It incorporates the long-running Ringmaster service – a two-way link between farmers and police which warns of suspicious activity. It has recently been extended to include instant mobile phone messages.

Police want more people to sign up for Ringmaster. Volunteers are also required to help patrol their local area.

Anyone wishing to sign up to Country Watch or any existing members interested in obtaining Country Watch signs can call into their local police station or contact 0845 6060 247 and ask for their local Safer Neighbourhood Team.