How the war in Ukraine has caused a spike in crime on Cheshire farms

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is having a 'shocking' impact on crime rates in rural Cheshire, an MP has claimed. The House of Commons has been told that farmers in Macclesfield and other parts of the county are being targeted by thieves - and that it all links back to the war in Ukraine, CheshireLive reports.

Labour MP Tim Roca told a debate on rural affairs that the war has led to a sharp rise in GPS systems being stolen from tractors and combine harvesters on farms for use in the conflict.

The Macclesfield MP says that thefts by organised crime gangs have meant insurance claims on the units have increased 137pc this year, after an initial rise following the start of the conflict in February 2022.

The GPS systems can be reconfigured to be used helping guide weaponry on the battlefield. READ MORE: Operators to be hauled to 'safety summit' following horror double bus crash on edge of Manchester city centre Data from NFU Mutual suggests that theft is worth an estimated £4.2m.