Thieves target country homes

Power tools such as chainsaws, lawnmowers and jet-washers were the items most commonly stolen as the number of cases increased by 12 per cent last year.

Raiders also targeted expensive tractors and quad bikes, according to the report by rural insurer NFU Mutual.

The survey found that agricultural crime in Yorkshire and the North East cost £9.2m in 2010, and almost two-thirds of NFU Mutual branches across the country reported an increase in cases.

Nationwide figures show oil and diesel, metal, machinery and livestock were commonly reported stolen in claims by farmers, businesses and rural homeowners.

Andrew Moss, an NFU Mutual agent in Beverley, said: “People living and working in rural areas of Yorkshire need to be vigilant and keep working with police and local communities to help fight rural crime.

“Highly organised thieves don’t just target tractors, Land Rovers and farm machinery, they can also make money from items like quad bikes and power tools that can be stolen and sold on in the blink of an eye.

“There is no substitute for good physical security: Strong locks, security lighting and maybe even a dog. It’s all about taking small steps to make life much harder for rural criminals and making outbuildings more secure is an effective deterrent.

“Taking the time to mark your more valuable items will make it much easier to return property should it ever get stolen.”