People urged to report crop circles to police

Crop circles are a common sight in Wiltshire

A police force has asked people to report crop circles, warning that creating them without the landowner's permission is criminal damage.

Crop circles are a common sight in Wiltshire with many created legally but some are not and Wiltshire Police said they can cause "short and long-term damage to crops and fields".

The force said they also attract other issues, such as unlawful drone use, aggravated trespass and theft from farm buildings.

"While they might look impressive, creating a crop circle without the landowner's permission is criminal damage. These acts can cause serious short and long-term damage to crops and fields and may also attract further illegal activity", said Wiltshire Police.

Landowners who find themselves with a crop circle on their land, and do not want visitors to come and see it, are being asked to make sure there are clear no public access signs around it.

If they are happy with the public visiting, then they are responsible for health and safety on their land so may need to get advice from their insurer, police said.

Wiltshire Police are urging people to report crop circles through their 101 phone number or online.