The latest data on rural crime, released on Monday by insurers NFU Mutual, suggest that an effective response to crime from the farming community has resulted in a reduction of thefts.

Reporting on the data, NFU Mutual suggested that the view of farms and rural businesses providing a 'high-value, low risk' opportunity for thieves is beginning to change. Figures from the insurer show that the cost of rural crime fell by 15 percent between 2013 and 2014, when the cost of claims amounted to £37.8 million. NFU Mutual said this was still a significant figure, but well below the 2013 total of £44.5 million.

The figures also reveal the most commonly targeted items, which include quad bikes, fuel, and tools. Contrary to the overall decline, some areas recorded increased thefts of quad bikes (up 80 percent in Scotland) and livestock, but on the whole awareness of rural crime seems to be rising in farming communities and steps are being taken to prevent crime and deter criminals, according to the insurer.

NFU Mutual said its investment of £600,000 had helped ease the burden of vehicle theft, with the cost of tractor theft down by a third from a record £10 million in 2010 to £5.4 million in 2014.

Though vehicle tracking, CCTV and Livestock Schemes in the north of England are providing protection and peace of mind for farmers, mutual members surveyed ahead of Monday’s release have identified new areas of interest for criminals, including online crime and theft of renewables.

Regional breakdown of figures reveal that Essex and Kent were the worst affected counties in 2014; farmers in the two counties incurred costs of £2.4m and £2.2m respectively in 2014.

Commenting on the findings, Matthew Scott, Chief Claims Manager at NFU Mutual said, “That our figures show an overall decline in the cost of rural crime during the last 12 months is welcome news and reflects the huge efforts being made by communities and others to tackle this problem. Initiatives like the Lancashire Livestock Scheme and CESAR tracking for agricultural vehicles are having a real impact and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals.

“That said, problem areas remain. Levels of livestock theft for example are stubbornly high and quad bikes continue to be targeted by criminals with several regions of the country recording significant increases in the cost of quad bike theft.

“So, while today’s survey contains some good news, it also highlights the need for rural communities to remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds.”

NFU Mutual released an infographic showing the cost of rural crime in different areas:

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