RURAL crime cost farmers and the UK rural economy £44.5m in 2013 – up 5.2 per cent on 2012. A 25 per cent increase in livestock thefts made 2013 one of the worst on record.

Large-scale sheep rustling in the North-West and North- East saw theft claims increase by 68 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.

The other main cause of increased claims was organised gangs stealing high-value £80,000 tractors for export to Eastern Europe and further afield.

However, a new trend was the theft of lower value tractors, without hi-tech systems, for export to developing countries.

The figures are contained in the NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Survey based on feedback from its 300 rural insurance offices.

It found claims in Yorkshire rose six per cent to £3.6m with tools, quad bikes, and machinery – such as hay balers and ploughs – among the most common targets.

A top ten list of the cost of rural crime in UK counties put North Yorkshire seventh at £1.5m.

In Northumberland and County Durham, the cost of crime rose 12 per cent to £840,000.

Quad bikes, metal, horse transport and equipment were the most-targeted items.

More than half the staff interviewed said customers had suffered repeat crimes or had high-value items stolen.

High-value thefts are usually highly organised, but the number of stolen garden tools and ornaments indicated that opportunist thieves continue to target gardens and outbuildings.

Andrew Webster, NFU Mutual branch manager in Ripon, said: “The cost of claims is increasing as a result of more high-value items being stolen.

“That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and fight rural crime.”

Cath Reed, NFU Mutual agent in Hexham, said: “Our experience with people who live and work in rural areas clearly shows that theft is more than just a setback – it can be devastating for businesses and families.”

According to the survey, the most commonly targeted items in 2013 were fuel, such as domestic heating oil and red diesel, tools and quad bikes (up 14 per cent).

Another new trend was pesticide thefts.

Tim Price, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, said the general increase in rural crime was “deeply disappointing” after a fall of 19 per cent in 2012.

He said: “There is no doubt that both opportunist criminals and members of international criminal gangs are targeting farms.

“While the first group will often move to an easier target if they see a farm has even basic security in place, the latter are professionally organised with a specific target.

“It’s vital that farmers regularly review their security measures and update them to keep one step ahead of wouldbe thieves.”