There were 374 cases of agricultural crime reported to police in NI last year, figures published by the PSNI indicate.

The total number of agricultural crime incidents in 2019 is down 7% year on year, which equates to 29 fewer cases.

The PSNI define agricultural crime as incidents of burglary, robbery and theft where the victim is involved in an agricultural-based activity.

Across the 11 policing districts in NI, cases of agricultural crime continue to be most prevalent in Newry, Mourne and Down, with 61 incidents reported during 2019.

Aside from the Belfast City policy district, Ards and North Down had the lowest number of agricultural crimes with six incidents, which is down from ten in 2018.

There was a marginal reduction in general crime occurring in rural areas (i.e. not just related to agriculture). Overall, police received reports of 5,577 cases of rural crime, which is 0.5% lower than 2018 levels.