Farmers are being invited to join a scheme to cut down on rural crime in the Thame area.

Police have been visiting farms in Thame, Chinnor and Watlington to encourage them to join Country Watch as they revitalise the scheme.

PC Ian Kent, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer, said: “The scheme has 208 members at present and we are keen to get more.

“Country Watch is part of our commitment to improving communication with the communities we serve, and, in this case, the rural community.

“People who sign up for the service will receive crime reduction advice, appeals for witnesses, and information about meetings - all specific to rural crime.

“We have received good feedback from those who are already members and receive frequent phone or email messages via our community messaging system.

“This system is a brilliant way for the police to work more closely with the community in preventing and detecting crime. We will also put up signs to act as a deterrent to any would-be criminal, publicising that this farmer is a member of the scheme and working with the police.”

For more information about the scheme, or to become a member, contact PC Ian Kent via 0845 8 505 505.