RURAL residents are being encouraged to share their views as part of the largest ever survey into crime and anti-social behaviour in rural areas across Britain.

The survey, launched by the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is to find out how the police can better serve rural communities.

Anyone living or working in rural areas is being encouraged to take part in the survey to help build a picture of what is a widespread but often misunderstood issue.

The survey will assess how crime and ASB, as well as the threat of potential crime, affects individuals, both financially and emotionally.

Chair of the NRCN, Julia Mulligan, who is also North Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The full scale of crime in rural areas has never before been assessed.

"Whilst official figures show rural crime, like crime in general, is decreasing, we are concerned about the wider implications on people and communities.

"Our aim is to build a clear picture of the issue to shape future delivery of services locally and nationally.

"By completing the survey, people can really have their say on how crime affects them and what they expect from local police and their partners involved in community safety.”

The ultimate aim is to make rural communities in the South-West safer.

The survey will be open until Wednesday June. 24 To complete the survey, visit nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/survey For more information on the NRCN, visit nationalruralcrimenetwork.net