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Kemi Badenoch has said she will stand with the country’s “grafters” as she pledged to crack down on the theft of work tools and agricultural equipment.

The Conservative Party leader promised to introduce dedicated rural police officers and increase sentences for those who steal from farmers and traders, as part of her plan to reduce rural crime.

Higher penalty fines would be given to these thieves under the Tories, with victims compensated for the value of the stolen equipment.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch during a visit to the JCB Academy in Rocester, Uttoxe

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