From the editor: Farm security needs a rethink in the face of a spike in crime

This week’s shocking figures from NFU Mutual highlight the organised nature of livestock rustling, with the story of how one farmer believed his stolen sheepdogs had been used to round up stock in the middle of the night almost beggaring belief.

Yet it will come as no surprise to the scores of farmers who have been relentlessly targeted by criminals, whether it be livestock or machinery which regularly goes missing off their farms.

For those on the urban fringe, this sense of threat from crime can be even greater, while those who have rights of way running through their land can be naturally cautious about the nature of the eyes casting across their property and seeing what might be on show.

Maybe it is time, therefore, for a culture change in rural Britain when it comes to protecting farms from thieves. Which other industry would, genuinely, leave high value equipment in unlocked yards, often next to roads, for all who passed to see?

With the increasing cost of machinery and livestock, it makes sense for farmers to take precautions where they can and make life as tough as possible for would-be criminals who might be eyeing up their property.