Fear spreads as 30 farms are targeted by criminals

Farm communities in North Yorkshire are living in fear as criminals continue a crime spate that has hit more than 30 farms over a period of 10 weeks, according to police.

Quad bikes and other farm machinery have been stolen since the spate began in November last year, police said.

The crime level is so serious that North Yorkshire and Cleveland forces have mounted a joint operation and night patrols to bring the crooks to justice.

Officers from seven different units, including firearms and helicopter patrols, have been drafted in, as the crime wave shows no sign of abating.