Worrying Rise in Farm Attacks

Police in West Cornwall are investigating a serious rise in the number of attacks on farms.

They  could be linked to a series of  attacks which started  started in 2008.  But in recent weeks they've increased dramatically.  One  farm has suffered 15 criminal damage attacks since September.

These incidents usually involve the deliberate sawing of panels or dismantling and removing gates and fences, and cutting or creating holes in the water troughs.

It means cattle and ponies are either left without a water supply which is cruel to the animals or they are escaping on to the roads which is extremely dangerous to other road users.

Grazing on the moorland has been ongoing for many years and some of the fences and gates that have been damaged have been in place for 15 to 20 years.

Sergeant Cara Trott, Neighbourhood Team Leader for the area said, "Police are investigating these incidents and anyone caught will be prosecuted for criminal damage.

"Whatever the motive, these incidents are criminal and are also extremely dangerous. Cattle and ponies getting onto the winding roads where people are not expecting them could result in someone getting killed.

"One of these farms has been attacked at least fifteen times Since September alone.

"I would urge anyone carrying out these offences to stop before someone is seriously injured. We will do everything we can to find out who is responsible so that these farming families can live without the fear of continually being victimised".

Anyone who has any information or has witnessed any of these incidents, please call Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference AP/13/56