Rural crime

THE days are long gone when people living in rural parts of Yorkshire could leave their homes unlocked.

While crime levels in the countryside are lower than in big cities, the types of offences committed remain a major concern, particularly for isolated rural communities.

The efforts of North Yorkshire Police to target criminals are bearing fruit in the latest phase of Operation Jumbo to protect farming communities, landowners and local people from poachers and travelling criminals.

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A targeted purge this week by teams of officers in the Selby area has caused serious disruption to criminal gangs which frequently travel for many miles to prey on what they cynically regard as softer and more lucrative targets.

Due to the success of the operation it is being adopted across North Yorkshire while the region's three other forces will take up the same tactics. Police have praised the support they have received from local people and are keen for others to act as their eyes and ears over the vast distances they must cover.

A strong community spirit is one of the many strengths of rural life. By working together with police, the prospects for criminals can be made all the more bleak.