RURAL crime cost Worcestershire more than £1m in 2017.
And despite seeing a slight fall of 2.8 per cent from £1,065,751 in 2016, NFU Mutual says problems in Worcestershire still persist.
The figures form part of NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Report which reveals the UK saw an overall 13.4 per cent rise in the cost of rural crime last year.
The items most commonly stolen in Worcestershire over the last 12 months were quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles, machinery and tools.
“Countryside criminals continue to become more brazen and farmers are now having to continually increase security and adopt new ways of protecting their equipment,” said Louise Sapwell, NFU Mutual senior agent in Worcestershire.
“By keeping in close touch with neighbours and police through local farmwatch schemes country people can play a significant role in identifying suspicious activity and bringing thieves to justice.
“Fitting gates to prevent easy access to farm yards and drives is one of the most effective measures. High-tech security such as movement detectors, infra-red cameras and ‘geo-fencing’, which triggers an alarm if a farm vehicle moves off the premises, can also play a part.”
