Farmers have teamed up with the police in a bid to crack down on thieves and burglars who steal agricultural machinery and other farm metal for scrap.

The new scheme was launched this week and it aims see farms in the Darlington area use designated skips to get dispose of their scrap, with legitimate recycling plants and metal dealers emptying them on a regular basis.

Warning notices, donated by Thirsk company Fox Signs, will also be put up near the entrances of farms in order to caution would-be thieves that scrap has been disposed of and that any trespassers will be prosecuted.

The move is aimed at deterring thieves from entering farm premises under the guise of asking for items of scrap, or sneaking onto land and simlply stealing.

Rural crime prevention organisation, Countryside Crime Watch, is giving signs to its 100-strong membership, with the first signs put up at a farm on the outskirts of Darlington.

Gamekeeper Brian Pavey, who founded the organisation and came up with and organised the scheme, said on the morning of the launch, a 25-foot yellow trailer was stolen from a farm in Brafferton, near Darlington.

“Metal theft is a massive problem in rural communities,” he said. “Farmers have had people go on to their land and ask for scrap – often it’s an excuse to come on to farms and steal.

“The signs will make it clear there is no scrap, and give a warning trespassers will be prosecuted. Hopefully that will be enough.”

The organisation began in October 2004 in order to improve communications between its members and the police, and to provide a clear structure for combating and reducing rural crime.

PC Clare Addison, who has helped launch the initiative, said: “Metal theft accounts for a huge proportion of property-related offences and has been a persistent problem in our region for some time.

“This initiative will help get across the message that farmers are disposing of any unwanted equipment swiftly and effectively.

“Brian Pavey and Countryside Crime Watch have worked very hard to get this off the ground and we hope it will soon begin to make a real difference.”

Chief Inspector Chris Reeves commended Mr Pavey and his organisation for the scheme.

“It is a great example of how one person can make a big difference to entire communities when they take the initiative,” he said. “This scheme will mean there is no reason for people to go round asking farmers for scrap.

“Hopefully, it will stop the thieves from stealing as there will no longer be easy pickings. We are really supporting this scheme and North Yorkshire are also looking at taking it on.”