A POLICE force's efforts to tackle rural crime has seen it shortlisted for an international award.

North Yorkshire Police's Rural Taskforce will have its work showcased in the World Class Policing Awards, which celebrates innovation and good practice.

Led by Inspector Jon Grainge and Sergeant Stuart Grainger, the team works on a whole range of issues facing the rural community.

The Northern Echo:

Providing security advice for farmers

The team, made up of PCs and PCSOs, is responsible for a wide variety of proactive operations to tackle the issues that matter most to rural communities, including: Operation Galileo, to tackle poaching; Op Eyeball, to deter the growing issue of fly-tipping; Op Exceed, helping horse-owners to prevent equine crime; Op Sidekick, targeting plant and machinery thieves; and Op Woollen, which promotes security at farm premises.

The Taskforce are also behind Operation Owl, pictured below, which raises awareness of bird of prey persecution, encouraging the public to be vigilant for signs of this criminal activity.

The Northern Echo:

Inspector Jon Grainge said: “It’s a great honour to be shortlisted for a policing award alongside colleagues from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and around the world.

"The recognition reflects the dedication of the Taskforce, but also colleagues across the force who work so hard to keep our rural communities safe – and of course, the hundreds of volunteers who give up their own time to support us through Mobile Rural Watch patrols and engagement events across the county.”

The overall winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on November 14.

For more information visit www.worldclasspolicing.com