POLICE are carrying out a week of action to tackle rural crime in the Thames Valley.

The rural crime action week, which runs from 8-14 September 2014, will see increased visibility patrols to prevent and deter crime offences in Aylesbury Vale.

Police officers will be working with rural communities, giving crime prevention advice to help prevent residents from becoming a victim.

As well as regular policing activities, the neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out a series of farm visits and door knocks in rural areas.

They will offer to security mark tool and quad bikes at a series of crime prevention and reduction events and high visibility patrols and operational activities to target known offenders.

Inspector Davies said: "This week of action aims to combat rural crime and raise awareness of vital crime prevention advice, to prevent people becoming a victim of crime.

"We will be aiming to deter and disrupt criminal activity, prevent rural crime offences and inform communities of how best to protect themselves from rural crime.

"We are also keen to improve confidence in the rural communities to ensure any suspicious activity is reported to police so that we may act on information at the earliest opportunity."

Thames Valley Police continue to offer residents within the force area discounts on CESAR security marking kits for agricultural machinery and horse tack.