Rural crime crackdown set to be extended

A major police drive, called Operation Jumbo, which has seen a dramatic fall in the number of offences since it was launched at the end of last year, is set to be rolled out across Richmondshire.

North Yorkshire Police says that by stepping up front-line crime-fighting and extending the rural neighbourhood watch scheme in countryside communities, it will drive the poachers out for good.

Pc John Wilbor, of Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "This is an ongoing problem in the Richmond rural area and one we are keen to stamp out. Offenders acting in these circumstances will be dealt with robustly as this type of activity causes great disruption to the farming community and to local residents.

"We will not tolerate people visiting our area and committing crime which disrupts life in our community.

"Officers assisted by members of the public already carry out regular patrols to combat rural crime and we are delighted to adopt Operation Jumbo in the Richmondshire area."

Operation Jumbo was launched in the Selby district in December to stop criminal networks organising lucrative hare-coursing events in remote locations and was hailed as an instant success.

Police seized more than 10 vehicles, made 24 arrests for wildlife and rural crime offences and searched over 100 people.

Before the crackdown was launched, up to 50 reports of poaching and hare-coursing were being made to police in the Selby district each week.

The figure has now fallen to just a handful.

Following its introduction in the Richmondshire and Harrogate areas it will be rolled out across North Yorkshire.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the rural neighbourhood watch scheme can contact Pc John Wilbor at the Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 60 60 24 7.