Farmers in Yorkshire warned not to be complacent over sheep rustling amid fears cost of living crisis will lead to country crime

The countryside could become a crime target as people “begin to feel the squeeze” of the cost of living crisis set to sweep the UK over the coming months.

Livestock owners are being warned that one of the costliest crimes to the farming industry, sheep thefts, could become a trend as consumers struggle with increases in the cost of living, higher fuel prices and higher food prices in the supermarket.

NFU rural affairs specialist Rebecca Davidson said: “We have found in the past, at times of crisis, unfortunately the countryside can be a target.

“We have not had figures to suggest rustling is on the rise, but given the cost of living crisis, we want to make sure that people are not being complacent. When consumers feel the squeeze that leads to spikes in thefts.”