A JOINT operation involving six police forces has taken place to crackdown on rural crime in the north.

The cross-border Farmwatch operation involved more than 100 volunteers and 100 police officers on overnight patrols in rural North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cleveland, Cumbria, Northumberland and Lancashire.

Countryside Rangers and officers from the Fire and Rescue Service also took part.

Each region’s police force shared intelligence and worked together to crackdown on criminals who operate across the borders.

As a result, a vehicle that had been involved in several crimes in the Dales was located on Bildershaw Bank in Teesdale and two people were arrested on suspicion of burglary and going equipped to steal.

Sgt Simon Rogers of Durham Police described it as an “excellent result” and said that although the evening last week had proved quiet for most force areas, it was always beneficial to bring communities and the police together.

He added: “I would like to thank all the volunteers that turn out on the Farmwatch operations as they are an invaluable resource to assist the police in keeping crime down in the rural community.

“At this time of year we know that all our farmers are working long days in the fields yet they still make the effort to come out and support the Farmwatch operations.”