Livestock theft and attacks rise as farmers urged to bolster security

Livestock rustling cost an estimated £2.7 million in 2022, up nearly 10 percent compared to the year before, according to NFU Mutual's latest figures.

Farmers are being advised by the rural insurer and police forces to be alert and report any suspicious activity after the publication of the figures.

It follows numerous incidents of theft and illegal butchery involving cattle in Worcestershire in recent weeks.