A NEW operation has been set up to protect rural areas from cross-border criminals.

North Yorkshire Police's Rural Taskforce are working with local officers and specialist units on Operation Countryside - which uses live automatic number plate recognition technology to track suspicious vehicles and "create a hostile environment" for travelling criminals around Scarborough and Ryedale.

Inspector Jon Grainge said: "We know that offenders from urban areas outside North Yorkshire travel into our communities intent on stealing quad bikes, farm machinery and other valuable property.

"High-profile patrols will create a visible deterrent, intelligence will be gathered and used to inform live-time deployments, and officers will use a range of police powers to disrupt would-be offenders wherever possible. Patrols will focus not just on the main arterial routes, such as the A171, A174 and A165, but also minor roads frequented by criminals trying to avoid detection. Criminals who travel to the Scarborough and Ryedale area will find it very difficult to get in and out again without being spotted, stopped and challenged. North Yorkshire is one of the safest places in the country and residents can be reassured that we’re determined to keep it that way."

The operation will run throughout the summer, and officers and PCSOs will also attend community events to speak with residents and promote the aims of the campaign.

To report suspicious people or activity, phone 101, select option one, and speak to the Force Control Room, or if an emergency response is required, dial 999. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.