Farmers and law enforcement agencies must work together to gather data which can be vital in tackling rural crime gangs, said Suffolk's police commissioner.

The issue of rural crime was discussed at a farmers' evening in Halesworth, organised by the National Farmers' Union and accountancy firm Lovewell Blake.

Suffolk police and crime commissioner (PCC) Tim Passmore outlined the main threats, including the theft of fertilisers and agro-chemicals, fly-tipping, livestock worrying and thefts of high-value agricultural machinery and technology.

He stressed the importance of working together to collect crime data, as hi-tech gangs are increasingly targeting the countryside.

“Nearly every single crime now has a digital footprint," he said. "We have a really good up-to-date cyber unit here in Halesworth, shared with Norfolk. 

"The sheer volume of data which has to be sifted and analysed in order to get a conviction is quite extraordinary.

"In addition, we are finding that more and more organised crime groups are looking at the countryside."

Mr Passmore told an audience of around 60 Norfolk and Suffolk farmers that reducing crime could have a major impact on the region's important agricultural economy.

"If you keep crime levels low in rural areas, it will encourage investment in our rural economy," he said.

"Criminals aren’t always stupid. They might be wicked and evil people, but they will take any opportunity to exploit things at your expense."

A report from rural insurers NFU Mutual showed that the cost of rural crime rose by over 40pc in the first part of 2022, with rural theft estimated to cost the UK £40.5m in 2021.

Lovewell Blake agricultural partner Ryan Lincoln, who chaired the event, said: "Rural crime is an issue which affects every single farmer and every rural business, so it was good to hear what a high priority our PCC places on tackling this problem."