POLICE have teamed up with partner agencies to launch a rural crime crackdown in Devon.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police will be running Moorwatch – a multi-agency operation to tackle crime across Dartmoor throughout the summer.

It aims to prevent and disrupt criminals operating in isolated rural areas, particularly at car park and beauty spots surrounding the national park.

The moor historically sees a seasonal rise in crime in the summer months with an influx of visitors to the region.

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Sergeant William Young, based at Ashburton, said: "Rural crime is a priority that we are working hard to address.

"Although crime on the moor is relatively low in comparison to other parts of the country, the types of crime are very specific."

The operation will see dedicated regular high-visibility patrols mounted by neighbourhood policing teams to tackle a range of rural crimes common to the moorland.

They include thefts from vehicles, livestock theft, the antisocial use of vehicles, wildlife crime, theft of farm equipment and machinery, and fly-tipping, plus road safety issues.

Sergeant young said: "Tourists flock to the area in the summer and are vulnerable to car crime as they often leave vehicles in remote spots.

"Vehicle crime isn't the only problem on the moor which also suffers from a range of crimes such as the theft of animals and farm equipment and fly tipping."

Police officers will be working closely with Dartmoor National Park Authority and other partner agencies to enforce the message that Dartmoor is not a place for criminals.

Sergeant Young said: "We would like to encourage users of the moor to report suspicious activity or incidents promptly to maximise our ability to deal with it effectively.

"When crime is reported we would like to assure people that we will do everything within our power to effectively bring offenders to justice."

It comes as police and rural stakeholders prepare to discuss ways of coordinating the fight against rural crime

The National Rural Crime Seminar takes place on Wednesday, 15 April, at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands.