'I've increased CCTV because of rural crime'

Farmer Richard Wilcox said rural crime is "really bad" in Somerset

Farmers in Somerset say they have seen a huge increase in thefts with trucks, trailers and machinery being stolen.

Insurers NFU Mutual said their latest figures suggested there was a 42% increase in the south west in 2023.

Richard Wilcox, a farmer in Somerset, said: "I've had three quad bikes stolen over the years and I'm not alone.”

Avon and Somerset Police said it was working hard to tackle rural crime but admitted resources were "stretched".

CCTV caught two individuals attempting to break into Richard Wilcox's farm

Mr Wilcox said he had no choice but to "boost" security on site to stop thieves.

He continued: "We saw two individuals on the CCTV and were able to set off the alarm which sent them scarper.

"It's scary as they could be violent or even carrying a weapon.

"Sometimes it's just not worth claiming it back so it comes back onto the farm and the business. Things are tough enough as it is."

Trevor, who farms on the Somerset Levels, agreed and said: "It seems to be every two nights something is going missing from farmers.

"At the end of the day we have to pick it up. It's hard enough to make a living now."

Trevor says rural crime is getting "out of hand" in Somerset

Insp Dan Ashfield, from the rural crime team at Avon and Somerset Police, said: "We have seen an increase and it's a trend across the globe.

"We do have to deliver with competing demands and we don't always have the resources on the ground.

"Rural crime is really important to Avon and Somerset and we do have a dedicated team to support farmers."