Thousands of pounds have now been donated to improve the security schemes of County Durham farms.

A recent wave of quad bike and tractor GPS thefts has sparked concerns in the Upper Tees area.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) Mutual’s Durham Districts branch has now made a £6,000 donation to hire a rural watch co-ordinator to monitor the region.

It is hoped that the new role can reduce the number of thefts and amount of damage being done to property in the area.

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Claire Gilson, NFU Mutual Durham Districts Agent, said: “As a Mutual with members at its heart, we know how highly disruptive and worrying rural crime can be. 

“Farmers in remote locations in particular feel vulnerable to criminals who are roaming the countryside looking for opportunities to steal.

“In some places, it has got so bad that farmers are barricading themselves in their own farms, like a fortress, and there have been incidences where farmers have been threatened with arson and personal attack if they challenge the criminals stealing their livelihoods or damaging their farms. 

“Having the Rural Watch co-ordinators means any suspicious activity can be shared and reported to the police very quickly. It also provides reassurance to farmers that they can talk to local people who understand the problems they are facing.

“UTASS does a fantastic job looking after local farmers and we’re delighted to support its work through the donation.”

The donation is from NFU Mutual’s Agency Giving Fund, which enables its 295 local branch offices across the UK to support local causes in the areas they serve.

Bob Danby, Manager of UTASS said: “The Rural Watch schemes are most effective in alerting local farmers and police to crime – but it depends on experienced co-ordinators being available to share information very quickly. 

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“For example, following a quad theft from a remote farm, Rural Watch members were able to report sightings of the getaway vehicle over more than 15 miles enabling police to stop it and make arrests.

“This donation will enable the strengthening of the coordination team. As well as sharing information, co-ordinators work closely both with other Rural Watch schemes and police officers helping them to understand farming and rural crime.

"They are also increasingly sharing best practice with other farm and rural watch groups that are seeking to replicate what has developed over 30 years.”