PEERS DEMAND ACTION ON RURAL CRIME
The Government has been urged to do more to stop farmers becoming victims of crime.
Peers called for action to tackle the cost of rural theft, which was estimated to be £42.3million in 2012.
Opening a debate on the rural economy in the House of Lords, the Earl of Shrewsbury said: "Rural crime such as metal theft, fuel theft, livestock theft and fly-grazing present major problems as indeed do fly-tipping, poaching and burglary in areas that are often remote."
The Tory peer, a landowner, said: "The fact is that increasing pressures on police budgets have meant that rural areas have insufficient coverage leaving country folk feeling often isolated and fearful of crime.
"All these matters need to be addressed with greater vigour."
Lord Plumb, a Conservative peer and former president of the National Farmers Union, said: "Rural theft is an issue of great concern to us and 38% of farmers have been a victim of that crime."
He warned: "Rural theft and its cost is of great significance in country areas. The link between rural crime and serious organised crime must not be underestimated."
