Thieves are aware there is less police presence is rural areas and are targeting villages, according to a businessman.

Steve Williams, managing director of Hawkes Tree Services, of Great Yeldham, told the Gazette in May about how his house and business premises had been targeted in less than a year.

He had £7,000 worth of equipment, including chainsaws and climbing and rigging equipment stolen when the thieves broke into his shed.

However, he says crime is still rife in rural villages.