POLICE in Okehampton and Tavistock are teaming up with other moorland police teams and partner agencies to tackle crime across Dartmoor throughout the summer.

Officers will be running Operation Moorwatch, a multi-agency operation which aims to prevent and disrupt criminals operating in isolated rural areas, particularly at car parks and beauty spots surrounding Dartmoor National Park.

Police said the moor historically saw a rise in crime in the summer months with an influx of visitors to the region.

The operation will see dedicated regular high-visibility patrols mounted by neighbourhood policing teams to tackle a range of rural crimes common to the moorland.

PC Cathy Veale, from Tavistock Police Station, said: 'Tavistock and Okehampton police will be working in conjunction with officers from adjoining areas such as Ashburton, Chudleigh and Ivybridge, linking in with the Dartmoor National Park Rangers to increase a presence and offer reassurance to those enjoying the area.

'We will be undertaking regular patrols, looking for any suspicious activity.

'We would like to remind members of the public to please not leave any valuables in your vehicle, especially on display while using the moors.

'If you are unable to take the items with you, please try to conceal them prior to parking in your intended car park.

'This would prevent anyone watching you park and observing you handling your valuables before leaving them unattended within your vehicle.'

Sgt William Young said: 'Rural crime is a priority that we are working hard to address.

'Although crime on the moor is relatively low in comparison with other parts of the country, the types of crime are very specific.

'Tourists flock to the area in the summer and are vulnerable to car crime as they often leave vehicles in remote spots.

'Vehicle crime isn't the only problem on the moor, there is also a large number of crimes that include the theft of animals and farm equipment and fly tipping.

'We will be maximising our visibility and presence with dedicated, targeted, regular patrols of the area.

'By working with partner agencies we can maximise intelligence and increase our eyes and ears at vulnerable spots on Dartmoor.'

Police officers will be working closely with the Dartmoor National Park Authority and other partner agencies to educate visitors as well as enforce the message that Dartmoor is not a place for criminals.

Sgt Young added: 'We would encourage users of the moor to report suspicious activity or incidents promptly to maximise our ability to deal with it effectively. When crime is reported, we would like to assure people that we will do everything within our power to effectively bring offenders to justice.'

Sgt Dave Anning of Tavistock police said: 'Over the years the Moorwatch campaign has successfully reduced thefts on the moors by a very considerable amount.

'However, while this is a crime associated with holiday makers, the fact is that half the victims each year are local people. You can help significantly by taking basic steps to prevent becoming a victim yourself.'

Report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to the police using 999 if the crime is in the process of happening or dial 101 if it is a non-emergency.