Criminals are cutting so deep into the lives of people in Kinross-shire, Police Scotland is enlisting their help to combat the problem.
A Rural Watch scheme is set to be introduced across the region in a bid to protect homes, farms and businesses from the growing problem of theft and vandalism.
It was unveiled at the Kinross Agricultural Show and proved an instant hit with eight people signing up on the spot and now the community being urged to join in.
Rural Watch coordinator Jen Wilson said: “This was an amazing result as we hadn’t even officially launched the scheme.
“Rural Watch is designed for the vast majority of the communities who care for the area they live or work in. This is giving a title to something that many do already being vigilant to crime.”
The watch has already proved its worth as police officers investigating the rustling of 57 lambs and ewes used it as a means of warning farmers about the crime and gathering further information.
Remote communities across the area have been targeted by thieves with increasing frequency since the beginning of the year. Many of the incidents have been attributed to roving bands of criminals, who have visited the area to raid farms and homes.
Soaring prices at the fuel pump are believed to have led to the increase in attacks on private and commercial vehicles, domestic properties and storage tanks.
Thieves have also been on the hunt for scrap metal, targeting churches, community centres, schools, building sites, railway lines and even war memorials and farm gates.
Manhole covers and drain grates have also been lifted in increasingly large numbers, with their replacement costing thousands of pounds.
Local officers have been working with the NFU to better communicate with hard-to-reach communities but hope Rural Watch will make that even easier.
An email system will be used by Police Scotland to pass information to watch members, Police Scotland hopes this will encourage members to take necessary precautions to protect their properties.
To sign up to the Rural Watch, visit neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk and look for Kinross-shire Rural Watch, email Jennifer.wilson2@scotland.pnn.police.uk or call Jen Wilson at Kinross Police Office on 01577 867752.