POLICE in West Devon are teaming up with partner agencies to tackle crime across Dartmoor over Easter and throughout the summer.
The 'Moorwatch' campaign was originally set up to tackle vehicle crime during the peak tourist months, but this year has been expanded to cover other nuisance crimes common to the moorland.
Extra high visibility patrols will be mounted by neighbourhood policing teams to deter criminal activity and officers will also be clamping down on speeding drivers using the Force Automatic Number Plate Recognition system (ANPR) to detect and deter known criminals.
Sgt Fran Bennett, crime reduction officer, said: 'Although crime on the moor is relatively low in comparison to other parts of the country, the types of crime are very specific.
'Tourists flock to the area every year, and are vulnerable to car crime, often leaving vehicles in remote spots. However, vehicle crime isn't the only problem on the moor, which also suffers theft of sheep, arson and fly tipping. This is why the agencies are working together to keep a watchful eye on vulnerable spots.'
The force will be working in conjunction with the Dartmoor National Park, local fire services and local authorities.
Sgt Bennett added: 'We will be reminding visitors not to leave valuables in their vehicles and distributing awareness posters and leaflets in tourist areas across the moor.'