Farmer from Banbury says he's being targeted by gangs as rural crime reaches 7 year high

A farmer from Banbury says he's had 50 sheep stolen or killed in the last 18 months.

Graham Woodard says he's been targeted three times by gangs during that period.

  • WATCH: Graham Woodward describes his experience of losing sheep to crime.

It follows research by NFU Mutual showing that rural crime is at a 7 year high, causing anxiety within the farming community.

Both livestock and farm machinery are being targeted by criminals

  • WATCH: Tim Price from NFU Mutual on the changing nature of rural crime.

Criminals are also targeting vehicles and machinery, which can be taken out of the UK and sold around the world.

Meat from stolen livestock is sold under the counter, illegally entering the food chain leaving the consumers at risk.