Cost of rural crime up in Lancs and Cumbria

THE value of rural crime in Lancashire and Cumbria rose by nearly 40%  in 2013 – costing the local economy an estimated £2.7m –  but fell sharply in Cheshire, according to research.

The figures from insurer NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Survey shows the nationwide cost of rural crime totalled an estimated £44.5m in 2013 – a rise of 5.2%.

The most common items targeted by thieves in the region  over the last 12 months were quad bikes, tools and livestock.

More than half of staff interviewed from NFU Mutual offices in rural communities around the country also said they’d seen customers suffer repeat crimes or had high-value items stolen.

Garry Watson, NFU Mutual Branch Manager in Bury, said: “The cost of claims is increasing as a result of more high-value items being stolen. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and fight rural crime. Our experience with people who live and work in rural areas of Lancashire clearly shows that theft is more than just a setback – it can be devastating for businesses and families.”

In Lancashire there was a 38% increase in agricultural crime from £1.3m to £1.5m. In Cumbria the increase was 40%, from £660,000 to £920,000 with all-terrain vehicles, tools and livestock most frequently targeted.

Cheshire bucked the rising trend though, as the cost of rural crime fell from £1.1m to £680,000 in 2013, the insurer said.