RURAL communities are being asked to add their experiences to a website tackling crime in the countryside.

The National Rural Crime Network champions a better understanding of crime in rural areas, and new and effective ways to help to keep rural communities safer.

Established in July 2014, the network is supported by 29 police and crime commissioners and police forces across England and Wales.

Network chair Julia Mulligan, (pictured), who is also police and crime commissioner for North Yorkshire, appealed for anyone with an interest in keeping rural communities safe to get involved.

"The network provides the resources and platform for practitioners to work together to tackle rural crime," she said.

This new website will allow people from across the country to share their experiences, discuss issues and learn from each other without leaving their own communities.

"It lets people find out what schemes work best, and then get those shared quickly throughout England and Wales so everyone can benefit."

Rural crime could be discussed in one place and without geographic boundaries, allowing national trends to be identified and, when appropriate, national policies to be developed.

Ms Mulligan said: "This website will provide the latest news, research and opinion, and work is already underway to undertake the country's largest rural crime survey ever."

"We now want to hear from anyone wanting to make a contribution to make in keeping rural communities safe.

"The value of this new resource relies on your contributions and participation, so please get involved and share your research and best practice."

Network vice-chairman and Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore said he was "delighted" to see a new website focusing specifically on rural crime and its prevention.

"Those of us who live and work in rural areas of the country are often quite isolated and by necessity have to do more for themselves to prevent and deter crime."

Mr Passmore said the website would help counter feelings of remoteness by providing members with ideas and information on how to keep rural communities safe and secure.

He added: "I am really looking forward to working with the National Rural Crime Network to develop the website further."

The National Rural Crime Network website is available by clicking here.