POLICE in the region say they have a new focus on rural crime and are appealing to farmers to report any thefts.

Sergeant Andrew Neil from the Swan Hill police service area, which covers Gannawarra, Swan Hill and Buloke, said while the loss of a hay bale or a tank of diesel might seem insignificant, police wanted to hear about it.

"We want the stats to go up," he said.

"We want farmers to repor...