New driving force behind Wharfedale Farm Watch (From Wharfedale Observer)
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New driving force behind Wharfedale Farm Watch
11:00am Monday 17th September 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack
Chief Superintendent Dave Oldroyd, Divisional Commander of the North West Leeds Policing Division, being presented with keys to the Isuzu D-max 4x4 Farm Watch vehicle by KT Green’s managing director, Chris Green
A police initiative to combat crime across rural parts of the Wharfe Valley has received a four-wheel driven boost.
Local car dealership KT Green has presented the Aireborough and Wharfedale Neighbourhood Policing Team’s Farm Watch scheme with a brand new Isuzu D-max 4x4 on a long-term loan.
The vehicle will help officers patrol the area and keep in contact with farmers and landowners, and has been decked out with West Yorkshire Police and KT Green branding.
The dealership, based near Pool-in-Wharfedale, offered to help following discussions with Detective Constable Bev Garnett, who helps run Farm Watch.
Inspector Richard Coldwell, who heads the Aireborough and Wharfe-dale Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This vehicle will be an absolutely vital tool in the continued success of the Farm Watch scheme.
“We are incredibly grateful to KT Green for showing its support for us in this way.
“Farm Watch has played a signifi-cant role in reducing thefts and other crimes in our rural areas, and I’m certain this new vehicle will help us to achieve even more in terms of keeping our farming communities safe.”
KT Green managing director, Chris Green, said: “Supporting the local community has always been important to us as a family business.
“The Farm Watch scheme is a great initiative that we are more than happy to support.”
Farm Watch has created a network of members who quickly pass on details about any suspicious activity and alert each other to any incidents.
The scheme’s new vehicle will cover areas including Arthington, Bramhope, Guiseley, Horsforth, Otley, Pool, Rawdon and Yeadon.
