POLICE and rural community leaders are discussing ways of coordinating action in the fight against rural crime.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual is sponsoring a special seminar to explore ways in which business, communities and the police can work together.

The National Rural Crime Seminar takes place on Wednesday, 15 April, at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands.

Rural theft cost the UK economy £44.5m in 2013, up 5.2% from £42.3m the previous year, according to NFU Mutual's most recent rural crime survey.

There are some signs in some areas that the situation is not as bad as it once was - although crime still remains a persistant problem.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Tim Price said: "After several years of steep rises, initial claims data for 2014 indicates a downward trend in rural crime."

This was great news for the countryside and an endorsement of efforts being made to increase security and raise awareness of rural crime, he added.

But Mr Price warned: "Nevertheless, crime remains a persistent problem for our rural communities and there's no room for complacency.

"The rural crime seminar is a great opportunity to share success stories from around the country and continue the fight against rural crime."

The National Policing Lead for Rural & Wildlife Crime is chief constable Simon Prince, of Dyfed Powys Police.

He said: "The rural crime seminar is a unique opportunity to bring together a range of people who can make a real difference to rural crime.

"NFU Mutual's deep ties to the farming community in the UK give it a unique insight into the challenge of rural crime and we welcome their sponsorship of this year's seminar."