A SURGE in rural crime has prompted a Pendle councillor to call for more farmers to join a safety scheme.

Coun David Whipp, chair of the borough’s Community Safety Partnership, urged farmers to sign up to Lancashire police’s Rural Watch after a spate of vehicle and sheep thefts.

In August, the Lancashire Telegraph reported how the National Farmers’ Union Mutual said the cost of rural crime in Lancashire rose by 38 per cent last year to £1.8million.

Since January this year, three Land Rovers, four quad bikes and four tractors have been stolen in Pendle, with another 11 thefts from agricultural vehicles.

Coun Whipp said: “In recent months there’s been an increase in thefts involving the farming community. This includes machinery, livestock, tools and fuel.

“Rural Watch is a simple but effective scheme which encourages people in sparsely populated areas to be extra vigilant.”

In the same period, 42 sheep and lambs have been stolen, with farms in Trawden the worst-affected.

Watch liaison officer Keith Sandham, who heads the scheme, said: “Rural Watch helps us to form closer links with farmers and communities and with more than 700 members we’re able to spread messages widely.

"As well as us passing on police intelligence, members are encouraged to tell us of sightings of suspicious vehicles, poachers or other unusual activity. This information is then passed on to others involved in the scheme.

“I’d encourage people who live or have businesses in rural areas to sign-up.

“Being part of the scheme can increase feelings of safety and security, enhance the prevention and detection of crime, and help us to recover stolen property.”

To join the scheme, which is run across Pendle, Burnley and Rossendale, contact WLO Sandham on 01282 472938.