Police have warned farmers to be alert to the risk of rural crimes.

Essex Police crime prevention, wildlife crime and Essex Watch liaison officers all attended this month’s three-day Doe Show in Utling to speak to farmers and people living in rural areas about the latest crime issues.

Among the advice being given was for people to become involved in local Farmwatch groups.

Crime prevention tactical advisor, Stephen Armson-Smith, said: "We also advised farmers to have a look at their property, farm and house, and think about how they might break in or steal from it. Usually then you can identify a number of your own vulnerabilities.

"For instance farm vehicles and property can be made less attractive to the thief by a number of measures including good warning signage, keeping property secure and considering security measures such as a recognised vehicle identification system, or attaching a tracker system which can follow your vehicles’ movements.

“It is about making your property as unattractive as possible to thieves by increasing the time, effort and risks involved for them in trying to steal it.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about Farmwatch, or any other Watch group, should call Essex Police on 101.