THE Police and Crime Commissioner has insisted he is 'taking action' to ensure safety in rural communities following concerns about rural crime.

Half of Shropshire residents live in rural areas and rural crime accounted for 23 percent of all crime recorded by West Mercia Police and John Campion has held a number of meetings with the public to listen to their concerns.

West Mercia Police has invested in 15 rural and business officers and specialist wildlife officers to work with rural communities to reduce crime and offer practical advice to prevent these offences from happening.

The claims come amid reports on the BBC that farmers believe not enough is being done to tackle rural crime.

But Mr Campion said the police have invested in Smartwater which can mark property and can prevent theft, and insisted he was doing what he could to make rural communities feel safer.

He added: "I fully understand the detriment that crime has on our rural communities and I am pleased to see this in the national spotlight.

"Crimes such as theft not only have a significant impact on businesses and farming, but make people feel more isolated.

"Since 2016 I have been championing this issue, and I have proved my commitment to addressing these issues, by listening to the public concerns, taking action and making investments which help to make our communities safer."