POLICE have responded to reports of trespassers on remote farmland.

Officers from Wealden Police and a drone unit attended the farm in Uckfield on Friday, July 1.

Sussex Police Rural Crime Team said officers responded after a group of trespassers inside a machinery barn were reportedly caught on CCTV.

“Great response alongside Wealden Police and the drone unit,” a police spokeswoman said.

“Happy to say all was in order this time and farmers were impressed with how seriously Sussex Police take rural crime.

“The fear is always that the trespassers, who were seen at their machinery barn, were going to burgle them.

“Rural thefts cost UK farmers £43 million in 2021 according to NFU Mutual, so we are keen to do everything we can to reduce that.”

A photograph taken at the scene showed at least three police vehicles at the farm in response to the incident.

Sussex Police Rural Crime Team has also increased patrols in and around Telscombe following a rise in livestock worrying.

“We're stepping up patrols and will challenge anyone whose dogs are not under close control in agricultural fields, as per legislation,” a police spokesman said.

“Always safest to keep your dogs on a lead.”

The maximum penalty for a dog owner is a fine of up to £1,000 compensation and costs.

The police also have the powers to detain a dog suspected of worrying livestock if there is no owner present, and can also obtain a warrant to enter premises to identify a dog.