THE cost of rural crime in Surrey and Hampshire has risen sharply in the first half of 2017, according to insurance company NFU Mutual.

Rural crime cost Surrey almost £430,000 in 2016, which is down nine per cent from £470,000 in 2015, and Hampshire almost £710,000, down by more than 14 per cent from £825,000.

However, according to NFU Mutual’s 2017 Rural Crime Report, early theft claims statistics for the first half of this year show a sharp rise of over 20 per cent nationally, raising concerns that a new wave of rural crime is hitting the countryside.

The items most commonly targeted by thieves across Surrey and Hampshire over the last 12 months were tools, garden equipment, ATV (all terrain vehicles) and quad bikes.

Anthony Posnett, NFU Mutual agent in Godalming, said: “Although the figures for rural crime in Surrey are down, countryside criminals continue to become more brazen and farmers are now having to continually increase security and adopt new ways of protecting their equipment.

“In some parts of the county, farmers are having to turn their farmyards into fortresses to protect themselves from repeated thieves who are targeting quads, tractors and power tools.

“They are using tracking devices on tractors, video and infra-red surveillance in their farm yards and even DNA markers to protect sheep from rustlers.”

The report reveals that being ‘staked out’ is the biggest worry for country people, followed closely by longer police response times in rural areas.

Criminals continue to target Land Rover Defenders, quad bikes, tractors, tools and livestock despite increased security on farms.

Patrick Govier, NFU Mutual agent in Alton, added: “The threat of becoming a victim of rural crime, and regular reports of suspicious characters watching farms is causing high levels of anxiety among farmers who know their rural location makes them vulnerable to attacks.

“Our advice to people living and working in the countryside is to regularly evaluate your current security measures making improvements where necessary, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police and local farm watch schemes.”

Responding, Surrey Police deputy chief constable Gavin Stephens said: “Rural crime can have a lasting effect on both the families and businesses of Surrey, with the financial and emotional damage often long term.

“Our officers are continuing to engage with our rural communities and working closely with partner agencies to help ensure our residents, and their livelihoods, are protected with the preventative advice to create a resilient network across our county.

“We regularly train our contact centre staff to recognise and categorise the various forms of rural crime when a call comes in, allowing them to pro-actively inform the investigating officer.

“We have also introduced the role of wildlife and rural crime co-ordinator; a dedicated position who advises responding officers on legislation and investigative routes for any wildlife or rural related crimes.

“Our priority is to protect our rural communities by empowering them with the ability to prevent these crimes, whilst we pursue those who commit them.”

Surrey Police encourages victims of rural crime to report offences online at surrey.police.uk or by calling 101 (999 in an emergency). Crime prevention advice is also available at www.surrey.police.uk/advice/protect-your-neighbourhood/rural-crime.

The NFU Mutual report can be downloaded at www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime.