Rural crime cost the South West economy an estimated £5.5 million in 2013 (a slight decrease from £5.6 million in 2012).

The figures are part of a UK-wide survey by NFU Mutual.

The leading rural insurer’s annual Rural Crime Survey shows the nationwide cost of rural crime totalled an estimated £44.5 million in 2013 – a rise of 5.2%.

The most common items targeted by thieves in the South West over the last 12 months were tools, quad bikes and machinery such as hay balers and ploughs.

More than half of staff interviewed from hundreds of NFU Mutual offices in...

Research at the University of Exeter Medical School is part of an unprecedented cross council collaboration to tackle the rising threat of antibiotic resistance.

For the first time, all seven UK research councils have come together to co-ordinate the work of environmental scientists, medical researchers, biologists, engineers, vets, economists, social scientists, mathematicians and even designers, in a targeted effort to address the issue of drug resistant bacteria.

And with funding from the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council and AstraZeneca, a team...

Home and business owners are being urged to be extra vigilant as the firefighters strike enters its third day today.

The action is part of a dispute between the Fire Brigades Union and the Government over pension reforms.

Firefighters will strike between noon and 2pm and 10.59pm and 11.59pm until Saturday 16 August.

While the issue is a matter between the Fire Brigades Union and Government, every Fire & Rescue Service has a legal duty to maintain a level of service to local communities as best it can.

Area Manager Phil Martin, Head of Community Safety...

A thrilling afternoon of football saw the Grecians hold Portsmouth to a well-earned 1-1 draw at St James Park.

A goal from Tom Nichols saw the home side take the lead in the middle of the first half, but a Jed Wallace equaliser ensured that both sides shared the points in this exhilarating start to the 2014/15 campaign.

An electric atmosphere greeted the players as they took to the field, with both sets of supporters evidently anticipating the first competitive fixture of the season.

Due to a raft of injuries and illnesses, Paul Tisdale named himself as a sub in the...

As the summer holidays get into full swing, Devon and Cornwall Police have reminded drivers of the risks of drinking and driving.

The force has exploded the four myths which many motorists believe in an attempt to encourage those enjoying their annual break to stay safe and protect others.

Myth One: 'I know how much I can drink to stay below the legal limit.'

Fact: You must not drive if you are above the following limits:How much have you had? Don't drink and drive 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100...

Timber and builders merchant Travis Perkins is launching a two week clearance event, giving builders the chance to negotiate the best possible price on a range of top-quality products.

Held from 11th to 22nd August 2014, the event will not only feature super savings on essentials such as power tools and work wear but can also enjoy talking to staff who’ve agreed that “no reasonable offer will be refused”. Being held across all Travis Perkins branches, the event provides the chance to purchase top quality products at a clearance rate. A dedicated leaflet will make it easy for...

Teams from the Housing Service at East Devon District Council are working with partners to minimise the impact that cuts in Devon County Council (DCC) funding will have on over 1,300 elderly and vulnerable tenants. The cuts mean a reduction of over half a million pounds in this sector in the next financial year alone.

EDDC’s main aim is to ensure that those tenants who wish to continue living in their own homes are able to do so. And tenants will have a say in the type and implementation of any changes.

DCC has advised that the Older Persons Targeted Support Agreement will...