MORE than 200 police, fire officers, forestry workers and volunteers took part in the first Farm Watch operation of 2014.
It involved five police forces and covered vast swathes of rural areas in the North-East and North-West.
In the Durham force area, one man was reported for poaching, another was found with a quantity of cannabis and two hedge trimmers and a chainsaw believed stolen were recovered.
In Northumberland, one man was found in possession of a bladed article and a number of vehicle related offences were reported.
Sergeant Simon Rogers, from Durham Police, said officers were grateful for the support of Farm Watch volunteers who help keep criminals out of rural areas.
“All the police forces involved appreciate all the time and the effort the volunteers put into these operations and we will continue to work with them to keep rural areas safe from both local and travelling criminals.”
Sgt Rogers said more volunteers were welcome to join the Farm Watch scheme.
For further information, call police on the non-emergency number 101.
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