Rural residents have been asked to help catch criminals.

Officers from the Worth Valley Neighbourhood Police Team, near Keighley, have been visiting farms and homes to set up a new Farm Watch security scheme.

The project is to be organised by PCSO Debbie Williams along the lines of the team’s popular Business Watch initiative through which shops stay in contact with each other and officers to share information about crime issues and keep each other updated about concerns.

Police will be keeping closer contact with farmers to help forge better links with each other to share information on any recent farm-related crimes.

Officers will also work closely with farmers who want help to upgrade their security and provide advice on what they can do to help protect their land against rural crime.

Inspector Andy Croasdale, of the Bingley and Worth NPT, said: “We have been very pleased with the success of Business Watch which has been very well received since it was set up by Sergeant Di Collins around two years ago.

“Through Farm Watch we want to set up a support network between farmers and the police to help keep each other informed of any issues and make sure we as an NPT are doing all we can to keep on top of crime issues in the more isolated parts of our region.”

Sgt Collins said Farm Watch was being set up to improve contact with more isolated parts of the division and not because of any increase in crime.

Police Constable Cath Gallimore has been appointed as a dedicated countryside and wildlife officer.

Anyone interested in the scheme who lives in the Worth Valley area should contact PCSO Williams on (01274) 475331 or visit e-watch.org.uk/ farmwatch.