CRAVEN'S latest crime fighting initiative was launched this week - and already more than 70 people have signed up.

Country Watch relies on residents in rural areas patrolling their village lanes, and alerting the police of any suspicious goings-on.

Launching the scheme, Acting Insp Stuart Mackleston said: "Country Watch is used elsewhere to good effect and has been proven to work."

He added that it was an extension of Neighbourhood Watch, and would hopefully help to reduce crime and the fear of crime in rural areas.

"We have to cover larger and larger areas, and the chances of our officers coming across some of the incidents reported are almost nil. We need the eyes and ears of the public to help us," explained Mr Mackleston.

However, he stressed: "These people are not intended to be vigilantes - all we want is for them to be vigilant. We do not want them to tackle criminals; we want the information so that we can deal with them ourselves.

"We are trying to support vulnerable areas of the community. This is an ongoing commitment and there will be no reduction in staffing levels as a result of this scheme."

He said that 71 people had already signed up, with another three expressing an interest on Monday alone. "We can only do this with the consent of the public," he added.

The scheme is being spearheaded by PCs Andy Bradley and PC Wayne Smith, who have already held a series of meetings across the district.

"We needed 30 volunteers to get the scheme going, so the response has exceeded our expectations," said PC Smith. "It is clear that the public are as keen to deter crime and the fear of crime as the police."

And PC Bradley pointed out that the initiative was being run in partnership with businesses and organisations such as the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the Bolton Abbey Estate, and delivery firms.

"The scheme would not have been possible without sponsorship, and we would like to thank all those who have helped," added Mr Mackleston.

Anyone wishing to join, or give financial support to the scheme should contact PC Smith or PC Bradley at Skipton Police Station, tel 01756 793377.

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