TWO men have been arrested after a quad bike was stolen in broad daylight from a farm near Harwood, in Teesdale.

Officers were called just before 11am on Tuesday after two men in balaclavas were seen making off on a Honda Four Track quad after breaking into a secured farm building.

Members of the Teesdale Ruralwatch Group were alerted by officers who then provided real time updates as the suspects sped across the Dales before dumping the quad on Cockfield Fell.

The suspects tried to hide the quad in some bushes before splitting up and making off across a stream.

Two 28-year-old men were subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident.

One was also arrested on an additional suspicion of possessing a bladed article.

They were taken to Darlington Police Station.

The Northern Farmer:

They attempted to hide the quad in bushes

Enquiries are also ongoing to track down the third suspect believed to be connected to the incident.

The quad was recovered around an hour after it was taken.

Inspector Pete Lonsdale, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Our Ruralwatch members were invaluable today, as always, in helping us track the suspects across the Dale so we could make sure officers intercepted them and recovered the stolen quad bike as quickly as possible.

“Two men is currently in custody and enquiries ongoing to track down the other.

“We hope this sends a clear message to criminals that our rural communities are not an easy target and we will continue to work closely with residents to keep these areas some of the safest places to live and work – a big thank you from us.”

Ruralwatch is a free scheme set up to support communities in the fight against rural crime.

To become a member of the scheme, email chairman Clement O'Donovan at clemdot@btinternet.com or PCSO Liz Finn at Elizabeth.finn@durham.police.uk