RURAL crime was discussed when West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour took Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody to visit Hindon Organic Farm, near Selworthy.

The pair met farmers Chris and Roger Webber and were joined by National Farmers’ Union (NFU) county adviser Emily Martin.

NFU figures indicated rural crime incidents increased by 168 per cent from 2023 to 2024, and thieves were now more brazen than ever.

There were reports of farmers being assaulted in their fields, and the threat of livestock or machinery being stolen was constant.

Ms Moody and Mrs Gilmour highlighted the work of local police, led by Inspector Joseph Piscina, as part of the force’s rural crime strategy.

Mrs Gilmour said she would bring Inspector Piscina to Exmoor to be out and about in the community he represented and she would continue to make the case for increased attention for rural crime issues.

She said she had written to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to ask for equal weight to be given to urban and rural crime issues.

Ms Gilmour said: “It is right that rural crime is also given the spotlight, and I am very glad to have the core of the rural crime team in my constituency, headed up by our neighbourhood inspector.

“Rates of rural crime are far too high, and I will be working with anybody who will listen to me to give my farmers, and people in my rural communities, the peace of mind to know that their issues are being dealt with.

Ms Moody said: “It was great to be out with Rachel in Minehead, hearing directly from residents about the challenges they face, from anti-social behaviour to shoplifting and other concerns.

“The force has a dedicated rural crime team committed to tackling these problems and responding to the concerns I heard today.”