Cold comfort

LIVING in the heart of rural Yorkshire is, for many, an idyllic proposition – but this enchanting existence can come at a price.

Take the issue of fuel. Motorists pay significantly more at the pumps than their urban counterparts, hence political moves to introduce a rural discount.

And then there’s the cost of heating homes. For those families without access to mains gas, they have to order – and store – large quantities of heating oil that is now 70 per cent more expensive compared to a year ago.

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Yet, while scrap metal thefts have soared in urban areas, predominantly because of the recession, criminals are now targeting these supplies which, to them, are “liquid gold”.

With NFU Mutual reporting a large increase in insurance claims locally, this is another powerful reminder that rural crime is serious and costly, and that the police need adequate resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.

While oil prices remain high, rural homeowners will remain a top target – and the police need to recognise this. After all, country dwellers still pay their fair share of tax, just like everyone else.