Farmers warned to be 'on alert' as masked gang targets rural areas

POLICE have been called to investigate a thefts blitz at farms in North Devon overnight.

- by PAUL GREAVES

A gang of masked men was seen roaming the countryside in the dead of night and 'casing' farms.

CCTV showed a man outside barns in South Molton while thefts were also reported in Combe Martin and on Exmoor.

Farmers reported a number of suspicious incidents over the Easter weekend in Devon.

Sheep, stock boxes and machinery are among the items to have been stolen on the night of April 20.

Rural communities took to social media to post warnings for people to be extra vigilant for suspected rustlers and thieves.