Boosting rural security

7:00am Saturday 19th July 2008

A POLICE initiative to boost security at rural properties around Taunton has been launched in Pitminster.

"Rural Watch" aims to encourage farmers and homeowners in isolated areas to make sure their property is marked so it can be easily identified and returned if stolen.

PC Maria Jennings from the Taunton rural, safe, stronger neighbourhoods team said: "We'll be visiting farms and other rural properties to take digital photos of property and each individual piece of equipment, such as trailers, quad bikes and large pieces of plant and tools."

Taunton MP Jeremy Browne has praised local police for raising their profile in villages.

He said: "The police have made a conscious effort to raise their visibility in Taunton Deane's rural areas.

"There is always a difficult balance to be struck because most villages do not have a severe crime problem. That previously meant that it became increasingly rare to see a uniformed officer on the beat in the countryside."