BURGLARS are being warned there will be nowhere to hide from the eyes and ears of the rural community, as a new Neighbourhood Watch scheme starts work.

The Rural Watch scheme covers a large area west of Darlington.

At a public meeting near Heighington, chairwoman Val Whitby warned: "If you take anything, you will be caught."

Most farmers in the 60sq mile patch have signed up for "smart water" security marking for their property.

The group closes one of the last remaining gaps in Darlington's Neighbourhood Watch network.

Mrs Whitby said organisers had been delighted at the turnout for the meeting to get the initiative under way.

An earlier meeting had to be cancelled because of weather.

"When this happens, momentum can be lost so we really appreciated the turnout," she said.

"People were really keen on the idea."

More than 50 orders were also taken for the "smart water" security marking.

"This means most of the farms in this area are now covered," said Mrs Whitby, who is a member of Heighington Parish Council.

The scheme covers an area with a population of 5,000.

The action follows an increase in crime affecting farmers and people living in isolated areas. Burglars and poachers have been a particular problem.

The scheme, which covers an area stretching from Low Coniscliffe to Piercebridge, to Royal Oak, Redworth and Branksome, in Darlington, includes 14 villages and settlements.

For more details contact Jacqui Snowball on (01325) 346832 or Mrs Whitby on (01388) 778709.