FARMERS, landowners, rural businesses and residents are invited to a rural crime prevention event at Hatherleigh Market on Thursday, March 14.

It has been organised by West Devon Borough Council, the Police and NFU Mutual, following a number of recent crimes in rural West Devon.

Cllr Christine Hall, the council's member for Hatherleigh, said: 'This is a great idea. I know many people are concerned about rural crime and I would urge as many residents as possible to go along to the event. I'm sure there will be lots of useful advice on how to safeguard your property.'

Representatives from a variety of security companies will be at the event to offer advice on how to protect agricultural goods from tools and trailers to quad bikes and tractors.  

There will also be an opportunity to have property marked through Datatag, a company specialising in the protection of agricultural and plant machinery.

Other agencies giving advice will include Citizens Advice Bureau, the Fire Service — offering free home fire safety checks — and West Devon Borough Council with information on public services in rural areas.

People are welcome to drop-in anytime to the event which runs from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

People hoping to get their property marked are advised to book a place by calling Kerry Lyons on 01409 220191 at NFU Mutual.