Five police forces in the south west joined efforts to combat rural crime in the region, carrying out several reassurance visits to farms.

This collaboration involved the Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire police forces.

High-visibility patrols, checkpoints and visits to rural businesses and farms were conducted across areas west of Bristol to the Wiltshire border.

Over 30 vehicles were stopped and inspected for proper identification and officers visited 10 farms and rural businesses.

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Crime prevention advice was shared widely among rural and farming communities in the south west.

Inspector Dan Ashfield from Avon and Somerset’s rural crime team highlighted the increasing role of organised crime groups crossing borders to commit offenses.

He said: “Partnership working with our neighbouring police services is crucial to tackling this and keeping our rural communities safe.

“This operation is just one example of an ongoing collaboration between the five police services in the south west."

During the operation, held on October 22, the forces successfully recovered a quad bike in Surrey that had been stolen from Wiltshire.

The theft of agricultural equipment and vehicles not only has a substantial financial impact on rural and farming communities but also creates a serious psychological burden.

Inspector Ashfield added: "We will continue to share intelligence and resource, making it harder for criminals to operate across the region.

“We also know that under reporting of rural crime still happens. If you have been impacted, or if you have information which may help us, please get in touch.”

Rural crime cost the UK almost £53 million last year as thieves continued targeting farms for high-value items like tractor GPS units.

NFU Mutual's report, released in August, showed rural crime costs rose by over £2m in 2023 compared to the prior year.