A South Devon farm machinery dealership has joined forces with Devon and Cornwall Police's Rural Crime Team to help engage farmers and raise awareness of how to protect valuable assets.

CR Willcocks have given Devon and Cornwall Police's rural crime officers use of a Polaris Ranger off-road utility vehicle (UTV) throughout the summer to help raise awareness about rural crime issues.

The UTV will be used to accompany rural crime officers and the office of the police and crime commissioner's team at agricultural shows and events around Devon and Cornwall.

A key objective of the partnership is to give officers the opportunity to engage and not only raise awareness of preventative theft measures that can be taken with agricultural vehicles, but to also receive feedback on any rural crime issues.

PC Martin Beck, rural crime officer with Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The police are grateful for the support CR Willcocks are offering in recognising the importance of tackling rural crime together in our rural communities.

"The police cannot tackle rural crime alone and the more we can connect with people who live and work in agriculture and rural areas the more we will understand how best to help and tackle rural crime."