Regional police join forces to tackle rural crime.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of the theft of £50, 000 of plant machinery as well as on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis after we took part in another regional  rural crime operation earlier this month.

Co-ordinated by Northumbria Police and run by all the north-east forces, Operation Checkpoint in Cleveland also saw a man arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of cannabis, another arrested for an outstanding bench warrant and two drivers reported for summons for driving offences (one for driving with no licence or insurance – this vehicle was seized – and the other for driving with no insurance or tax).

Another motorist received a fixed penalty notice for driving whilst using a handheld device.  During the operation, a vehicle was reported stolen from Marske and after an extensive area search by a number of officers it was located and recovered so further enquiries could take place.

The operation ran on staggered shifts from 10am until 2am and saw nearly 20 officers and two rural volunteers deployed throughout the Cleveland force area carrying out high visibility patrols both on foot and in vehicles.

And they visited more than 30 farms as part of the engagement and reassurance phase.

Every report relating to rural crime during that period was responded to appropriately and we hope our ongoing efforts will reassure farmers, land owners and managers, rural businesses and residents that we take their concerns seriously and will work with communities and partner organisations to tackle crime in the countryside.

If you are in any of the above categories why not join our Rural Watch scheme?  You can find more information here: Rural Watch | Cleveland Police