Rural residents using tech to help in fight against crime

Residents are coming together to use technology in the fight against crime across the Dales.

An ‘army’ of around 1,500 Rural Watch volunteers are already part of three WhatsApp groups operating across Durham Constabulary’s more remote communities, becoming the ‘eyes and ears’ for the force.

This allows for live-time, precise information to be reported to officers on the ground which is invaluable for intercepting criminals who try to target the patch.

One recent incident included the recovery of a stolen quad bike which was taken as a farmer worked his land and just 24 WhatsApp messages later, was recovered and the suspect arrested.

And it’s not just crime that is reduced as a result with the messaging system also proving vital for helping find vulnerable, rescue tourists who get lost in the harsh landscape or even when farmers’ livestock goes missing.

“Without instant messaging we'd have never got those results,” Inspector Ed Turner said. “It’s a cracking example of how the community is helping us help them – working with us to make sure we can continue to keep our rural communities some of the safest places to live and work in the county.”