Police recruit horse riders to battle rural crime
BBCPolice say they want to recruit volunteers with horses to help report rural crimes such as flytipping and livestock theft.
Devon and Cornwall Police said people who volunteered would support officers by "engaging with residents" and carrying out patrols.
They would be tasked with "reporting back" suspected agricultural, equine, wildlife or heritage crimes, as well as crime "disproportionately impacting rural communities", the force added.
Lucy Wyatt, rural affairs officer, said countryside crime was "increasing" and it would help to have communities reporting what they saw.
Chief Constable James Vaughan said rural crime remained "right at the top" of police priorities.
He said it was easy to focus on "big problems in cities", but added rural crime really matters in the "beautiful" county.
Prospective volunteer Frances Smith said she would be able to ride past an incident and appear "perfectly normal" while assessing if a crime was taking place.
Volunteers must have a minimum of five years' riding experience, own a suitable horse, be over 21 and pass police vetting, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
They will receive training including first aid, de-escalation guidance and online courses from the College of Policing.
