POLICE and trading standards officers have teamed up with farmers to launch a text message service to help combat rural crime.

The Ringmaster service will see instant mobile phone messages sent to more than 1,000 farmers across North Yorkshire, giving details of incidents in their area.

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire County Council's trading standards department have joined forces with the National Farmers' Union to offer the service.

Representatives from the four NFU offices covering the Hambleton district - Northallerton, Thirsk, Stokesley and Bedale - are compiling a secure database of users.

The service is expected to be launched on May 1.

Non-farming members of the rural community, such as gamekeepers and local businesses, are also being invited to sign up.

Sgt Paul Stephenson, who is helping to co-ordinate the scheme, said: "We simply cannot sit back and allow these criminals to prey on our countryside communities, which are often in remote areas and vulnerable to thieves who target valuable assets such as vehicles, farming machinery and even livestock.

"There is also the problem of bogus tradesman, who are out to con people.

"This is people's livelihoods we are talking about here, as well as preserving the quality of life that our communities demand and deserve."

Coun Claire Wood, the county council's executive member for trading standards and regulatory services, said: "North Yorkshire farmers are repeatedly targeted by itinerant traders, offering to sell tarmac and machinery.

"Unfortunately, the quality of the goods services they receive is usually far below acceptable, therefore it is imperative that farmers are notified as early as possible about scams in their area so they can avoid being ripped off."

Any individual or organisation interested in signing up can call PC Mark Atkinson, designated officer for the scheme, on 0845-6060-247 or email mark.atkinson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.