POLICE in Haslington have issued a warning to farmers and horse owners to be on guard so they don't fall victim to rural criminals.

Officers have fielded several late-night reports of sightings of 4x4 vehicles in lanes near to cattle farms and horse yards around Weston, Wheelock Heath, Barthomley, Englesea Brook and Radway Green.

Gangs of men have also been spotted loitering near to farms with most of the suspicious activity taking place around 10pm this week.

PCSO Lizzie Jolley says she has visited farms and local yards to warn owners to be on guard.

She said the farming community needs to stay vigilant and if they see anything out of the ordinary to ring 101 and report it.

Lizzie can also be messaged via the Haslington Police Facebook page , but in the first instance report via 101 or 999.