RURAL crime cost Somerset nearly £1.3m in 2017, according to a new report.

Despite seeing a fall of nearly 4 per cent, Somerset is one of the 10 counties hardest hit financially in the UK.

The figures form part of NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Report, published today, which reveals the UK saw a 13.4 per cent rise in the cost of rural crime last year.

The items most commonly targeted by thieves across Somerset over the last 12 months were tools, quad bikes and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and machinery.

Naomi Parker-Jones, NFU Mutual senior agent in Somerset, said: “Countryside criminals continue to become more brazen and farmers are now having to continually increase security and adopt new ways of protecting their equipment.

“Social media is fast becoming the new eyes and ears of the countryside. By keeping in close touch with neighbours and police through local farmwatch schemes country people can play a significant role in identifying suspicious activity and bringing thieves to justice.

“Fitting gates to prevent easy access to farm yards and drives is one of the most effective measures. High-tech security such as movement detectors, infra-red cameras and ‘geo-fencing’, which triggers an alarm if a farm vehicle moves off the premises, can also play a part.”

The report further reveals that limited police resources and repeat attacks are the biggest fears for people in rural communities, with many forced to change the way they live and work as a result of rural crime.

Naomi added: “The threat of becoming a victim of rural crime, and regular reports of suspicious characters watching farms is causing high levels of anxiety amongst 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.”

For more information and advice on how to beat rural crime in your area download the report at www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime.