A new project will assess the effects of a rise in rural crime on farmers and their families in Devon and Cornwall.

Farmers have been asked to complete an online survey about their experiences of crime in what organisers claim is the first study of its kind.

The police are working with academics to deliver the survey and look at possible solutions.

PC Martin Beck, rural affairs officer with Devon and Cornwall Police, said:

"This project aims to use our rural communities to help map the nature of the crime, and analyse the impact of crime and fear of crime, on farming.

"It will also help us examine ways to evaluate and improve farm security."

A 2020 Rural Crime Report by NFU Mutual found there had been a 14% rise in rural crime in the South West.

The project is being led by the University of Plymouth, in collaboration with Devon and Cornwall Police and the University of Winchester.

Full article:

The BBC - 'Organised crime' affecting rural communities in Devon and Cornwall