A POLICE scheme which vowed to offer better protection to ‘sitting duck’ farmers whose livelihoods have been jeopardised by criminals saw officers conduct an operation last week.

Operation Hawthorne - which centres around rural crime - returned to the town.

Officers visited several farms to discuss crime prevention tactics with farmers.

“It’s a day which is dedicated to enhanced engagement with our more isolated rural communities,” a police spokesperson said.

“It was a little more scaled back than previous Hawthornes, but with no less drive from our teams to get out and speak with rural farms, businesses and landowners.

“During our visits, we discussed crime prevention, target hardening and addressed any issues raised.

“Later in the afternoon we were joined by colleagues from our motorcycle team who spoke to our rural communities about the South Yorkshire rural crime initiative.”

The initiative was launched last month and brings together local partners to protect rural areas and provide practical support.

The initiative, which has been funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and is being delivered with South Yorkshire Police, has been developed in recognition of the disproportionate impact that rural and wildlife crime has on many rural communities.

Through the initiative, together with SYMCA, police are putting more investment and co-ordination into tackling rural crime so they can reduce rural crime and fear of crime, bring offenders to justice and keep rural communities safe.

Cash is being offered to those eligible to fund crime prevention measures at their farms.

The police spokesperson added: “Rural residents and businesses across South Yorkshire are invited to apply for a financial contribution towards crime prevention products and materials, which can be used to help target harden your property, therefore lessening your risk of becoming a victim of crime.

“The funding can be used to purchase and install products such as CCTV cameras, security lighting, enhanced signage, drones and other target hardening measures, following advice and guidance from our officers.

“Varying levels of financial support are available, from £500 up to £2,000, dependant on a range of factors, including previous instances of crime reported at a property, and the determined risk of being a victim in the future.

“These factors will be assessed upon application.”