THOUSANDS of farms across North Yorkshire will be offered a free security check-up, as part of a major new crime prevention initiative.

Operation Woollen was developed by PC Neil Slater and PCSO Mel Parkin of the York Community Safety Hub, and has so far seen dozens of farms around York offered security advice and visited by a police crime prevention expert.

The operation has been so well-received that it will now be rolled out across all of North Yorkshire – the largest county in England – by the Force’s Rural Taskforce.

A total of 8,000 farms will receive a crime prevention pack in the post, including a security survey, information about dot peen property marking and North Yorkshire Community Messaging.

They will also be offered a free visit from a 'crime prevention champion' – a PC or PCSO from the Taskforce or local Neighbourhood Policing Team with expertise in farm security.

Inspector Jon Grainge, of the Taskforce, said: "North Yorkshire is the safest place in the country, but it’s important we stay vigilant and do everything we can to keep people and businesses safe, particularly in rural areas.

"Starting this month, and continuing throughout the year, farms should look out for a letter from North Yorkshire Police, and return the form in the pre-paid envelope provided. Of course, anyone wanting crime prevention advice as soon as possible can contact us directly on ruraltaskforce@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk."

Dot peen marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin which indents an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number. The number is entered onto the national Immobilise property register database, vastly increasing the chances that it will be reunited with its owner if it is lost or stolen.

North Yorkshire Community Messaging is a free system that lets people register to receive the latest crime notifications and community news in their neighbourhoods. People can register or download the free app for Apple and Android devices via nycm.co.uk.