A NEW anti-crime campaign is being piloted in part of the region before being extended nationwide.

Launched this weekend, it is hoped the thousands of people who visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park will play a valuable role.

The agencies behind the Moorwatch scheme are appealing for them to join residents in becoming extra eyes and ears to help cut crime.

The scheme covers common offences such as thefts from vehicles, fuel and quad bike thefts, as well as crimes against wildlife and the environment.

Poaching, the persecution of birds of prey and damage to green spaces and sites of scientific special interest all come under its remit.

PC Mark Rasbeary, a wildlife and environmental crime officer with North Yorkshire Police, was seconded to Natural England last year, working from Leyburn, where he was also a police officer.

Natural England has paid his wages for 12 months while he has worked with the Yorkshire Dales National Park and others to establish the scheme.

He said: “Our rural communities are among the safest areas in the country. However, criminals do operate in this area and we need the co-operation of residents and visitors to help reduce crime.

“The population of the national park increases dramatically during the tourism season, so part of our message is that we want the eyes and ears of all those visitors.

“Our message to everyone is very much if you see anything suspicious, report it. Do not be afraid to call.”

Natural England has paid for posters and leaflets distributed to information centres, village halls, pubs, B&Bs, beauty spots and attractions.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds last year said North Yorkshire was the worst county for the persecution of birds of prey.

Damage to lanes and some sites of special scientific interest by off-road vehicles and motorbikes have been a major concern.

Police have already held successful operations with rangers from the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Upper Wensleydale ranger Matt Neale said Moorwatch had already brought much closer working and understanding between themselves and the police.

He said: “We have worked closely to target illegal offroad activity which, in the main, is motorcyclists using green lanes.”

Anyone who sees anything suspicious can call police on 0845-60-60-24-7 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.