FIRE, thieves and flytipping are just three of the issues Essex Police's brand new plan to deal with rural crime will have to face up to.

The Rural Crime Strategy was launched at an event last Thursday (16th) and will see extra patrols and crime advice in rural spots.

The force's Gypsy, Traveller and Rural Engagement Team is part of the plan and will work on issues such as unauthorised traveller camps and hare coursing.

Chief Inspector Ian Gennery, who is leading the five man team, said: "We recognise rural communities face some unique challenges and we have committed resources specifically to support them.

"Rural areas, like urban areas, are affected by crimes such as burglary and domestic violence and we will treat incidents where there is a threat or risk of harm to the public as a priority no matter where they are."

The launch of the strategy took place at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and involved information on firearms licensing and on how the police use drones in rural spots.

While the authorities are keen to show residents they are taking steps to prevent rural crime, John Anderson, the chairman of Southminster Parish Council, said the force is too stretched.

He said: "They seem to be trying to improve the situation because they can see where they are failing.

"Additional resources are being put in place but I think they are stretched so it is hard to cover all the bases.

"They are trying to be more proactive than reactive which I think is a good thing and if we could get more feedback I think that would help.

"If you're at one end of the village and something happens down the other end you don’t always hear about it."

The decision to tackle crime in the countryside comes in the wake of startling figures showing a huge surge in claims by farmers for fire damage.

More than £11m worth of claims were made by farmers in the East of England in 2016 - £4.7m was claimed the year before.

Arson was the second most common cause for the fires.

Back in August, a fire which was deliberately started at Topplesfield Hall in Great Yeldham saw one land owner lose £6,000 worth of straw.

Elsewhere, a number of farmers in the Braintree district have also reported being targeted by thieves in recent months.

Adam Scott, the Essex representative for the National Farmers’ Union, said farmers in Braintree are often victims of crime.

The Earls Colne resident said: "Sadly if farmers don’t lock up at night and barricade equipment in, you can bet it won’t be there in the morning.

"It is unacceptable that people are having to barricade themselves in and turn their businesses into fortresses.

"Obviously police have got a role with crime prevention and spreading preventative measures.

"But farmers have a role to play by putting up the correct fencing, having gateways locked off and even by having cameras installed."

The Gypsy, Traveller and Rural Engagement Team can be followed on Twitter: @EP_GTRET