COUNTRYSIDE residents are being urged to have their say as the largest ever rural crime survey nears its deadline.

Run by the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN), the survey is calling for rural residents to have their say on the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour on their communities.

It also asks how the police can better serve rural communities and ultimately the future of crime prevention and rural policing.

More than 11,000 people have already responded, explores how crime and ASB, as well as the threat of potential crime, affects individuals, both financially and emotionally.

Rural crime network chairman Julia Mulligan, who is police and crime commissioner for North Yorkshire said che hoped the finding s would shed light on what was a "widespread but often misunderstood issue".

Ms Mulligan said: "It is important that as many people as possible have their say on this matter in order to inform future policing resources.

"Too often, crimes in rural areas go unreported which can lead to under resourcing and lack of confidence in local forces.

"You certainly don't need to have been a victim of crime to have a view on how the police operate.

"You may be concerned about police visibility or response, see incidents that go unreported, or you may have a local officer who is engaged and proactive. Whatever your view, we want to hear from you."

Any crime that takes place in an urban area can happen in rural areas too, said Ms Mulligan.

How policing was delivered affected everyone living and working there while, she added. Farm-related incidents, fuel theft and sheep rustling made up just one part of the problem.

The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is supported by 30 Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces across England and Wales.

Established in July 2014, it includes a range of organisations with an interest in community safety and rural affairs such as the National Farmers Union, Historic England, Neighbourhood Watch and Crimestoppers.

The survey will be open until Wednesday 24 June. To complete the survey, visit www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/survey.