VOLUNTEERS are needed to help tackle crime in rural areas of North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police want members of the public to help them take on cross border criminals and rural crime, and have appealed for volunteers in the Selby district to get in touch.

This week saw the launch of the force's new Rural Taskforce, which helped make a number of arrests in its first weekend of operation, for offences including theft and uninsured driving.

Inspector Jon Grainge, from the new taskforce, said police needed the assistance of members of the public to ensure they can gather more information and help deter criminals.

He said: "The taskforce is committed to working with volunteers to help us engage with our rural communities and target cross-border criminals who offend in rural areas, so I’d urge anyone interested in this valuable role in Selby to visit our website to find out more.

"Members of the public have always acted as the eyes and ears of the police, and this is particularly true in rural areas. Our Rural Watch volunteers do an excellent job supporting the police – patrolling rural areas in a dedicated vehicle, providing public reassurance and reporting suspicious incidents to the police control room."

The force is appealing to volunteers who want to work with the Rural Watch team at Selby, and would go on patrol with police and other volunteers.

The team reports suspicious incidents or individuals to the Force Control Room, and help provide reassurance to local residents.

Anyone applying for the role will need a full driving licence and good communication skills, and must pass a basic police driver assessment.

Closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, April 24. To find out more go to northyorkshire.police.uk/volunteers