A MULTI-agency approach to tackle crime and litter on Dartmoor is proving a great success, it was announced this week.

Crime prevention officer WPC Angie Frost said by working together with the various agencies who have an interest in Dartmoor under the scheme Moorwatch, a real difference had been made to the level of crime.

'Even though the crime on Dartmoor is low compared to other areas in the country we need to make sure it stays that way so visitors can enjoy their stay,' she said.

Various agencies involved deal with protection of livestock, all types of crime, care of visitors to the moor and arson among other things with the ultimate aim to protect the moor and all who use it.

'The police have been involved in operations that have targeted theft from motor vehicles, speeding on the moor and injury to animals either by careless drivers or injury to livestock caused by dogs,' added the officer.

'These operations together with increased uniform patrols and plain clothes policing has led to a real drop in crime on the moor this year.'

Meanwhile national park rangers say they have been pleased with support from local businesses, councils and volunteers to tackle the problem of litter.

Staff from a local supermarket branch even arranged a moorland spring-clean.

Sustainable tourism officer Jackie Ridley said the downside of being a ranger was the problem of litter — but this could easily be overcome if visitors made sure they did not leave behind remnants of their stay.

Jackie said: 'Commonly discarded items include drinks cans, disposable barbecues, take-away leftovers together with ice-cream wrappers, crisp packets and nappies.

'The remote locations of some sites on Dartmoor make the installation of litter bins prohibitively expensive and they could also be dangerous to livestock who may eat from them and also attract vermin.'

Rangers also come across fly-tipped waste which was totally unnecessary as the area was well-served by local recycling centres, added the officer.

Dumping of waste was also hazardous to wildlife.

Dartmoor National Park Authority has strong links with the police, local councils and the Environment Agency to ensure that information and intelligence is shared which can lead offenders to be prosecuted.

Anyone interested in working alongside the rangers to help litter-pick at key areas can visit the website: http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk