MORE than a dozen farms have been protected against criminals as part of a police operation to boost the security of rural premises.

Officers with North Yorkshire Police have identified hundreds of York business premises located on industrial estates, or away from built-up areas, and have been sending them self-assessment questionnaires and information about crime prevention, including a security survey.

The businesses have also been offered a visit from a ‘crime prevention champion’ – a PCSO from their local Neighbourhood Policing Team with specific training in business security.

The major rural crime prevention drive has been dubbed Operation Woollen for farms and Operation Woodchip for other rural businesses.

PC Neil Slater, of the York Community Safety Hub, said: “We have had really positive feedback from people we have visited. Officers have been able to give useful advice on how to improve security, and many items of property have been security-marked, from tractors to sit-on mowers, trailers and tools.

“The operation will continue over the Christmas period, and we’ll be booking in further properties for visits as soon as we can.”

To find out more about the operations contact PC Neil Slater or PCSO Melanie Parkin at North Yorkshire Police on 101.