CRIME reduction advice is being issued to people living in rural areas by the Country Land and Business Association.

Jolyon Dodgson, regional director in the North West, said: "Our membership includes not only farmers and landowners but business people who have chosen to locate their homes in the countryside.

"Many members also have businesses in rural areas and could be the target of criminals.

"A significant improvement in rural policing is certainly one of the CLA's principal aims but there is much we can all so to reduce the opportunities for crime on our land and property."

The association is advising people to ensure vehicles and equipment is immobilised when not in use and all hand tools are stored in a secure building.

Farmhouses and other country properties should be fitted with British Standard deadlocks and key-operated bolts to outside doors. Ground floor windows and those near drainpipes should be fitted with window locks.