DRUGS were seized during a major overnight operation as part of a crackdown on rural crime.

Civilian helpers, mainly game keepers, farmers and estate owners joined forces to help police.

They were out acting as spotters alerting officers to any suspicious people or vehicles as part of an overnight operation in Wycombe covering over 160 square miles.

Sixty-one vehicles were stopped and checked including one tractor.

Three breath tests were carried out with negative results, a small quantity of drugs were seized and intelligence was gathered throughout the area.

Inspector Scott Messenger, based at Marlow police station, said: "We are really grateful to everybody that came along for the evening, giving up their time to help us. "Geographically we cover a huge area and we are really pleased that members of the rural community are so willing to play a part in this way."

The operation was carried out on September 19, with further planned.

Targeting crime in rural areas has become a priority for Thames Valley Police, as instructed by Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld. A campaign has been taking place lately to highlight the dangers.

At a Bucks County Council meeting on September 19 Cllr Phil Gomm, who stressed his own rural background, praised the work the police are doing on it.

He said: "The rural commuty are beginning to realise they need to stick up for themselves and not be such a soft target."

Cllr Lesley Clarke, speaking to the police and crime panel chairman Cllr Trevor Egleton, said: "Rural crime is escalating in farming areas and with the increase of the incredibly expensive equipment disappearing out of the county with in hours, I would hope that's something you'd be looking at."

Cllr Egleton said: "The commissioner has made this one of his priorities and the police are now investigating every single case of rural crime so I think that's a plus.

"But its one of those things that we need to ensure the priority of the commissioner is continuing throughout the year."