The first year of the Ongar Farmwatch scheme has been a rip roaring success - and it's all thanks to diligent farmers for making it work.

That's the opinion of PC Chris Caton of Ongar Police who has been closely involved with the project since its inception.

He said: "I am absolutely and totally impressed with the way in which members have taken on the responsibility and made us aware of information.

"It is their input into the scheme which has enabled it to be intelligence led and so make it such a success.

"In our first year we have been involved in at least 30 arrests, all relating to crime covered by the Farmwatch area, and most of which, in the first place, has come from information from our farmers.

"Intelligence from some of these jobs has resulted in enquiries in other forces where other arrests have been made. This has resulted in the detection of crime in at least four other counties.

"Enquiries are still being made in Ireland following intelligence gained regarding thefts of caravans and trailers.

"The arrests have dealt with crimes against farms and churches and have covered offences involving drugs and imported spirits.

"In our first year West Essex Farmers faxed 34 newsheets to 70 members. I think the number of arrests and intelligence gained from our members shows how well the scheme is working.

"I would like to say a very big thanks to everyone involved and urge them to keep up the good work so we can have an equally successful second year."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.