The proposed officers would form part of a wider pledge to recruit 10,000 extra police officers if the Conservatives return to government at the next General Election. The party says the plan would be backed by £800 million of investment and would include rural crime taskforces to support farmers, businesses and residents. Mr Anderson said rural crime was costing communities millions of pounds through theft, criminal damage, livestock worrying and fly-tipping. Officers would also be expected to investigate geolocation signals from stolen property and advertisements for suspected stolen goods online. Mr Anderson said the measures would help address thefts of agricultural machinery and tools, alongside wider concerns which include livestock theft and dog attacks.