A MAJOR new survey seeks communities’ views on rural crime.

People who live and work in South Gloucestershire’s rural communities are being urged to have their say in the National Rural Crime Survey.

The aim of the review is to determine the true personal, social and economic cost of rural crime and anti-social behaviour across the country.

The feedback from the survey will be used to help shape the future of crime prevention and rural policing.

To take part visit: nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/ by June 10.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Rural crime affects the livelihoods of farmers, smallholders and rural businesses and presents some real challenges for the wider rural areas.

“It is already the focus of a lot of effort locally with a dedicated rural crime team, a rural crime forum which many local organisations are a part of, and farm and horse watches across Avon and Somerset.

"We’re already in a strong position but any additional knowledge from the survey will further help the police in their efforts tackling rural crime.”

Rural crime is typically associated with the countryside, and includes wildlife and heritage crime, farm equipment and animal thefts.

However, alongside this there have also been examples of fraud and other scams, with criminals deliberately targeting isolated, vulnerable people.

Those who experience rural crime in Avon and Somerset can get in touch with the rural crime team by texting 07492 888109.