Farmers using medieval methods to combat rural crime

Farmers put up earth banks and dry ditches to block criminals who use 4 x 4 vehicles to get on to farm land

Farmers are resorting to medieval methods to combat rural crime which has risen to its highest level in four years, an increase being blamed on organised criminal gangs and policing cuts.

Offences against farmers and other rural businesses cost an estimated 44.5m last year, an increase of 13.4% from 2016, according to insurer NFU (National Farmers Union) Mutual.