FARMERS are being urged to tighten up security following a series of break-ins and thefts.

Some properties have been ransacked with thieves taking everything from farming machinery and tools to trailers and quad bikes.

Thousands of pounds of equipment has been stolen.

The Hambleton Community Safety Partnership is working with police to send out copies of a crime-fighting video to the farms concerned.

The video, called Easy Pickings, details crime prevention advice for farm buildings and contents.

Northallerton Acting Sergeant Andrea Kell said: "Most of our farm burglaries have been at insecure buildings, very easy pickings for these thieves.

"We hope that our farmers will take time to watch the video and review what crime prevention steps they are taking. Many measures are simple but will harden premises from attack."

She said farmers who have been victims of such crimes will be sent the video but it is hoped they will pass it on to neighbouring landowners.

Community safety officers will be in Northallerton this week with more security advice for farmers.

Hambleton Community Safety Partnership's mobile police unit will be in the Auction Mart tomorrow as part of the fight against farm crime.

The partnership hopes the advice day and video will help farmers to improve security and put a stop to the increase of burglaries at farms and barns.

Community safety officer PC Phil Bird will be handing out advice and information leaflets from 8am until 3pm.

Anyone wanting more information on crime prevention - farmers and householders - should contact the Community Safety Officer, PC Phil Bird, on (01609) 789827