AVON and Somerset police launched a new three-month trial text service yesterday (Tuesday January 17) to help fight rural crime.
And they are urging the public to also watch the BBC’s Country File programme this Sunday when the Rural Crime Team is featured talking about its work to tackle livestock theft.
The new number - 81819 - will allow the public to text information directly to the Rural Crime Team, who will be able to assess and action the intelligence quickly and efficiently.
It is being trialled for three months as part of work to prevent and detect rural crime, and they are asking rural communities and businesses to help by providing information and intelligence about suspected crime in their area.
MBE for long serving YMCA Dulverton Group chief executive Martin Hodgson
Exmoor common goes up in flames again as suspicions grow of arsonist on loose
Police dispersed late arrivals to Minehead North Hill rave but hundreds already there
Somerset West and Taunton road closures: two for motorists to avoid over the next fortnight“Many people who belong to our FarmWatch scheme said they wanted to be able to pass on information and respond to messages quickly, and this new number will allow that,” said Inspector Joanna Mines, from the rural crime team in Somerset.
“We want to hear from anyone who has information about any suspicious or potentially criminal activity in their area,” she said.
The launch of the number happens to coincide with a livestock theft near Wells this week in which 40 calves were stolen, and the team hopes the public will help provide information.
The calves had been wormed the day before and it was vital they did not get into the food chain, the police said.