POLICE have urged farmers and landowners to be extra vigilant against rural crime during the coronavirus restrictions.

The Devon and Cornwall force say that they are still seeing incidents of livestock worrying, including a sheep attack on enclosed land near Colliford Lake between Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 March,where four animals were killed and four injured.

’There have also been reports of deer poaching in the Lanlivery area of East Cornwall, where a carcass has been located with the head and hind quarters removed, most likely for sale or private consumption,’ said a police spokesperson.

’We would ask the public to please avoid buying meat from unusual sources, stolen meat or meat which has been slaughtered unlawfully.

’Please help us in our drive to support our rural communities and prevent rural crime by being our eyes and ears.’

Officers in Devon and Cornwall have also had reports of individuals cold calling on rural business and farms and the subsequent theft of scrap metal, road fuel and heating oil.

’Additionally, the Environment Agency has provided a report in relation to waste disposal, where an individual has visited farms offering to upgrade their tracks and roads for free as a way of getting illegal waste onto the land,’ said rural crime officer Chris Collins.

’The Environment Agency would encourage farmers and landowners to improve their understanding of the guidance available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-exemptions-using-waste