National Farmers Union president Minette Batters has urged police chief constables to ensure farms and rural communities do not become a ‘soft target’ for criminals, in an address to the National Police Chiefs Council.

Mrs Batters emphasise the need for a consistent and coordinated approach to rural crime to tackle the issue, as laid out in the NFU's Combatting Rural Crime report published last year, when she spoke last week.

The NFU continues to urge all police forces to have a dedicated rural police team in order to ensure the countryside is properly policed.

Mrs Batters said: ""All manner of rural crimes, whether it is hare-coursing, fly-tipping or theft, severely impact farm businesses and rural communities. Not only does it have economic consequences but these criminals also bring threats, violence and intimidation to the countryside.

"It is crucial that there is a joined-up approach to tackle this issue and that is why the NFU is the leading farming organisation representing its members in the fight against rural crime.

“Engaging with police chiefs, in particular the National Wildlife Crime Unit, is a prime example of this work and making those at the front line aware of the real cost of crime to farm businesses is essential.

"We have yet to see any concrete action being taken. It is absolutely vital that this changes to protect our countryside from being a soft target for criminals and (needs) a cross-departmental task force."