POLICE in Darwen say a scheme launched to prevent crime in rural areas has started well.

Farm Watch was launched last in a bid to crack down in crime in the countryside around Darwen, and to improve links between police and the communities.

It covers the six rural towns that form a horseshoe shape around Darwen - Tockholes, Belmont, Edgworth, Hoddlesdon, Turton and Belthorn.

Sgt Rob Evans, of Darwen’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “It has been well received so far, but we want to increase the number of people on the scheme.

“We have got about 15 or 20 so far, but we would like about 10 more.

“It is giving us eyes and ears in the country. It has the makings of a really good scheme.

“The early indication is it will be beneficial over the long term.

“It is all about stopping criminals at the gateway before they get to Darwen.

“It also helps us to crack down on travelling criminals.

“We often have to fight against Greater Manchester Police as, when they target a crime, the criminals start coming to us.”

Sue and Mark Johnson, of Sydney Street, Hoddlesden, have joined the scheme.

In practice, they act as a point of contact for people in the area to voice their concerns to Sue, 42, said: “Thakfully we haven’t really had anything to do so far.

“We don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary, it’s just about communities keeping an eye out for each other.

“And you don’t have to be a farmer to be involved.

“We don’t own a farm, we just live in the country.”

To get involved in the Farm Watch scheme, contact PCSO Nick Gisicz on 01254 222135.