Rural crime in Hertfordshire is on the rise according to farmers' insurer NFU Mutual as thieves target fuel, livestock and vehicles.

A quick-thinking Devon farmer buried his telehandler in soil after it caught fire to prevent the flames spreading to the field.

SMOKE was seen billowing into the air as flames spread across a field near a care home.

"At this time the fire is being treated as suspicious and inquiries are in hand with officers from the Rural Crime Team. If anyone has any information that might help please get in touch with North Wales Police.

POLICE RELEASED a 'tongue-in-cheek' statement explaining how a local farmer had 'donated' 2,500 gallons of cow slurry to help deter anti-social motorbikes from riding on a popular playing field.

An officer issued a caution after the footage was discovered on social media of the man kicking a swan in Shinewater Park in Eastbourne.

An investigation has been launched after a rural post office had its windows smashed and cash and stamps were stolen in a midnight burglary.

This incident is just one of many fires that have broken out in East Yorkshire over recent weeks, as temperatures have soared to record highs. The local fire service have raised awareness of the issue and said this incident shows "the devastation caused to farmers' livelihoods when fire spreads so quickly in some of the driest conditions on record".

Police are appealing to the public for more information on the incident

A MAN has had his van confiscated as a result of fly-tipping at a Cheshire beauty spot.

Rural thefts saw a decline in Wales last year – but have started to spiral again in 2022 as the cost of living crisis hits the countryside.

Rural crime team (RCT) officers from North Wales Police visited the site yesterday with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Gwrych Castle Trust. Police said they will be keeping a close eye on the site, which lies close to the Tan-yr-Ogof caves.

The flames destroyed the area and filled the skies with thick, black smoke at the allotment site which is plagued by thieves and vandals

“Five appliances from Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Spennymoor and the water bowser attended the incident.

Residents have expressed their anger and frustration after a popular County Durham beauty spot was hit with a "mammoth" amount of fly-tipping that “destroyed the landscape” and made the area “unvisitable”.