THE North Yorkshire Police Rural Taskforce had a successful December in the run up to Christmas.

More than 30 people are to appear in court in connection with alleged offences including farm burglary, hare coursing, anti-social use of vehicles causing crop damage, drugs possession and drink driving.

The team has now arrested more than 70 people, and seized more than 30 vehicles suspected of involvement in crime, since operational activity began in April 2016.

Among those summonsed in December to appear in court were:

o a 33-year-old Rotherham man for a farm burglary in Hawes, driving whilst disqualified and driving with no insurance

o five men from Darlington and Cleveland for hare coursing near Middleton Tyas

o two men from Middlesbrough for hare coursing and poaching near Richmond

o a 32 year-old man from Durham for criminal damage, damaging crops with a vehicle near Topcliffe

o a 23 year-old Stokesley man for possession of cannabis.

A man has also paid £300 as part of a Community Resolution Disposal after causing damage to crops with a vehicle near Yarm.

Sergeant Kevin Kelly, of the Rural Taskforce, said: "It’s important to show our rural communities the work we are doing, and the results we are getting. The team has worked tirelessly this month to target criminals who offend in our rural communities – the very communities we are here to protect."

The team has also launched a "Call it in" campaign to encourage residents to act as the 'eyes and ears' of the police, by reporting any suspicious activity, particularly in remote or isolated areas.

Inspector Jon Grainge, of the Rural Taskforce, said: "Local residents are the best people to recognise when something is not quite right – and if that’s the case, we’d like to hear about it.

"Please report anything suspicious using the 101 phone number. Even if it doesn’t need an immediate response, every piece of information helps us build up a picture and could prove vital in bringing criminals to justice."