A furious farmer has revealed the grim reality of rural crime after thieves targeted her farm near Marlborough.
Wiltshire farmer Karina Cassini detailed her experience which reflects a growing crisis across rural Britain.
A recent Countryside Alliance survey found 96 per cent of respondents consider crime a significant issue in their area.
Speaking to GB News, she explained: "So we've always we follow the advice of the police on these occasions. We've installed floodlights everywhere.
"Bonds are secured with a locking mechanism and with sensors when doors are open and so forth.
Wiltshire farmer Karina Cassini revealed she has had multiple items stolen
GB NEWS
"The CCTV, I've been told, is not really a deterrent. You'll just have the luxury to see is your items being nicked on camera. The police are very often too late to come and do anything about it.
"They wear black hoodies and are very often in stolen vehicles. Whatever number plate you can read is of insignificance to the police.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
"The problem is that there is very little for the police to go on. Unless they are caught in the act or the item that they have stolen can be retraced somewhere.
"Very often, by the time you wake up at seven in the morning and realise that the theft has taken place, they are on a ferry to Calais."
In response to the rural crime wave, the government has announced an £800,000 funding boost for specialist police units.
The National Rural Crime Unit and National Wildlife Crime Unit will receive the money to tackle crimes including equipment theft, livestock theft and hare coursing.
Dame Diana Johnson victims are "undervalued and isolated"
PAThe funding will help increase collaboration across police forces, using the latest technology to target organised crime groups.
Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson said: "Too often victims of crime in rural communities have been left feeling undervalued and isolated."
The investment comes as the government works with the National Police Chiefs' Council to deliver a new Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy.
Despite significant investment in policing, many rural communities feel abandoned by authorities.
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has highlighted the economic impact of rural crime, suggesting the government fails to understand its significance.
"If an accurate economic appraisal was carried on the costs of rural crime, this might help change the Home Office response," he stated.
Passmore expressed frustration at what he sees as metropolitan forces receiving disproportionate resources.
At a recent NFU farmers' meeting, he noted "pent-up anger about what is seen as a continuing attack on rural communities."
