Rural Watch volunteers help police catch thieves

Police are highlighting the good work of Rural Watch groups in North Yorkshire after a string of results in Craven.

In recent weeks, volunteers have shared information about suspicious behaviour that has resulted in thieves being caught and high-value vehicles being recovered.

Rural Watch is a free scheme set up to support communities in the fight against rural crime.

Police in rural areas work with a network of people who share information about crimes and suspicious activity in their community.

In recent weeks in Craven alone, information provided by Rural Watch has led North Yorkshire Police to:

• Recover a Range Rover that was reported stolen from Craven after volunteers reported suspicious activity
• Track down vehicles that made off without paying for fuel in the Grassington area, resulting in police catching two different thieves who admitted the offences
• Seize one of these offenders’ cars after it transpired he had no tax or MOT
• Find another 4x4 reported stolen from Lancashire based on reports of suspicious activity shared by volunteers

Sergeant Paul Evans, who is based in Craven, said his team has been working closely with the groups in North Craven, South Craven and Upper Wharfedale, to reduce crime and target criminals.

He said: “Rural Watch volunteers come from all backgrounds. But they have one thing in common – they’re dedicated to helping us stamp out crime in their communities.

“We work closely with volunteers and this scheme is in no way a substitute for good rural policing. In fact, the information and local knowledge they provide actually helps us deliver even stronger policing in these communities.

“And results like these show what a positive impact Rural Watch is having in North Yorkshire.”

You can find out more about Rural Watch, including how to join, here.