THE sense of community which can still be found in the towns, villages and hamlets across west Northumberland brings with it an overwhelming sense of security for many.

The sparse and rural nature of so many settlements in the uplands and valleys is often beautifully rugged yet familiar.

And yet assets like Tynedale’s winding roads and vast open spaces can also work against the district when it comes to attracting attention from unwanted visitors.

All too often, unscrupulous people have been discovered to have targeted livestock belonging to local farmers, equipment used by gamekeepers, fuel from business vehicles or possessions from the sheds and garages of householders.

Despite Northumberland being one of the safest places to live and work in the UK, it would seem that for some, the temptation to damage and steal what does not belong to them is just too great.

For residents, often the fear of crime can be just as damaging as becoming the victim of a crime.

So it is disappointing to hear this week that traders in Corbridge now fear the village may become a target, following an attempted burglary at one of the village’s boutique businesses.

This is despite the crime being unsuccessful thanks to the business owner in question taking great steps to put security measures in place to help deter thieves and protect his livelihood.

One thing is clear – Tynedale should not be allowed to be viewed as an easy target.

Local neighbourhood teams work hard, with the help of volunteers, to run special operations to disrupt and clampdown on crime in our rural communities.

Senior officers from Northumbria Police must do everything in their power to support them by providing the resources where they are needed to ensure criminals are deterred from selecting Tynedale as a place to commit crime.