POLICE have appointed an officer to crack down on livestock-rustling in Devon and Cornwall.

There have been about 40 cases a year over the past five years.

Each case can involve many animals and some can be valuable. One Devon farmer lost 100 lambs valued at about £4,000 last year.

Insp Bob Webb said it was important to have an officer dealing with rural crime in the region where farming is one of the main industries.

One rustling victim, Devon dairy farmer Ian Huxtable, said: "It can only be a good thing to have a dedicated officer dealing with rural crime.

"Hopefully there will be a good response and we can reduce the level of crime."