NFU Mutual reports to have seen a 14% increase in the number of stolen tractors since 2008. The estimated total value of thefts in the UK farming industry for 2010 reached nearly £50m up 26% on the previous year.
The report continues to detail how thieves were most likely to strike at night with raiding outbuildings and outdoor stocks.
The NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey (RCS) was based on the 2010 claims experience of its branch offices in rural towns and villages. It found that two-thirds of branches had reported an increase in rural crime in their area.
The survey found that power tools such as chainsaws, electric drills and lawnmowers were the most common thefts and whilst thieves typically targeted farms and businesses during broad daylight to steal tractors. Heating oil, scrap metal and other outdoor stock was mostly taken between the hours of midnight to 6am.
