THE cost of rural crime across the North-East soared in the last year, new figures have shown.

The jump in the crime total has now led to calls for greater vigilance by farmers and countryside dwellers

An annual survey of insurance claims showed the total in the region rose by some 12 per cent – one of the largest year-on-year rises in the country.

That took the cost of rural crime in North-East up to £1m in 2014 – significantly higher than the £840,000 total the year before.

Thieves across the region have been continuing to target expensive all terrain vehicles – such as quad bikes - and farming machinery as well as tools.

However across the country as a whole the cost of countryside crime was actually down by 15 per cent on the previous year and totalled an estimated £37.8m in 2014.

The annual rural crime survey was carried out by insurance giant NFU Mutual, which insures some 73 per cent of the rural market.

Reflecting the changing nature of countryside crime, it also revealed a growing problem with cyber-crime while recent claims data also shows and that thieves are taking advantage of new targets – such as solar panels.

There has also been a substantial rise in opportunist thefts of items like garden tools and ornaments.

A senior agent with the NFU Mutual, Hexham-based Cath Reed, said: “It is disappointing to see levels of rural crime rising across the North East, especially when there has been a decline nationally.”

She added: “Initiatives aimed at reducing livestock theft and installing tracking systems on agricultural vehicles are having a real impact across the country and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals.

“But the figures for the North-East underscore the message that criminals will move to take advantage of weaknesses - and rural communities should remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds.”

Nationally the figures show that Cambridgeshire bore the greatest cost of any UK county, with rural crime costing £2.7m, while Northern Ireland was the most seriously affected area for livestock rustling.

For more information visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime