Held at Cox & Robinson's new agricultural centre in Buckingham, Tuesday's event showed farmers, horse owners and anyone from rural locations how to up security and drive down crime.

Overseeing was Police Community Support Officer Nicole Bruce who, along with Graham Hall at the North Bucks branch of the National Farmers Union, invited hundreds of members to attend - and to join Thames Valley Police's community watch schemes.

"Of all those on our invite list only a very few have signed up to our Farm and Country Watch Scheme and the Horse Watch Scheme," said PCSO Bruce.

"So we really want more - they're free services where the police work with the community to let them know of a rural or equine incident or suspicious activity."

The day also saw fire safety officers from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and companies demonstrating crime-deterrant devices.

SelectaMark and Smartwater showcased their marking systems which, when applied to property, leave a unique trace to be linked back to the rightful owner.

Signs in premises showing the marking systems were in use act as a strong deterrant - and in some cases reduce crime by up to 95 per cent, explained Chris Taylor of SelectaMark.

While of more obvious security measures, Winslow-based Oakpark Alarms discussed a range of tailor-made gates which stop intruders getting even close to valuables.

Thames Valley Police Insp Bob Gregory said: "It's easy to be complacent because offence levels in this area are low. But when you're the victim of crime you realise it only takes small simple steps to prevent it happening in the first place."