Campaigners slam 'feeble' Labour over rural theft

COUNTRYSIDE campaigners are dismayed the Government is refusing to take bold action against the scourge of farm theft by requiring new all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) such as four-by-fours and quad bikes to have immobilisers.

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There is also disappointment that a raft of equipment ranging from tractors and drills to chainsaws and sprayers will not be marked with unique forensic identifiers.

Conservatives say Labour is undermining one of the best chances to “tackle rural crime in a generation” by not making use of new powers to require the equipment to meet stringent anti-theft standards.

David Bean, of the Countryside Alliance, said the organisation was “bitterly disappointed with the Government's feeble, dithering response”.