Rural crime

Police constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police's Rural Crime Team, said the incidents had reflected some of the most ‘horrifying' offences he had investigated

Gate Street Farm said the culprits had broken secure gates to run over sheep in a field

Wiltshire Rural Crime Team said it had been aware of farms which had been earmarked by thieves to steal older machinery like classic Ferguson tractors

Wiltshire Rural Crime Team had encouraged the public to enjoy the countryside but not at the expense of farmers and livestock

Calls for the Government to start taking the issue of fly-tipping seriously, by increasing the maximum penalty from £400 to £1000

Margoat and Robbie had been stolen from a farm in Dorset

Officers said a further two dogs faced destruction after the incidents which had taken place during the first two weeks of January

Police said rural crime had 'serious consequences' on the farming community

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said they found the barn – measuring 20m x 10m – well alight in the Launcells area

Police Scotland said the equipment had been stolen sometime between the Christmas and the New Year period