A FARM Watch scheme designed to clamp down on crime in rural areas is to be launched by police.

Hartlepool police are launching Farm Watch on Monday, to aid communication across the 300 farms and smallholdings in the district.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said the scheme would bring have a number of benefits.

Members can sign up to a Ringmaster system, which allows police to communicate local issues to members quickly.

In cases of recurrent problems, police can work with the community to tackle them by setting up operations. Members and police will also share information in relation to specific incidents.

Anyone wishing to become part of Farm Watch is asked to email H1farmwatch@cleveland.pnn.police.uk, including their farm name and address, their own name, email and telephone number.