Criminals are systematically targeting farms in Shropshire with an 61 per cent rise in “agri-crime” in 2010, a survey revealed today.

New figures from one of the UK’s leading rural insurers, NFU Mutual, show the rise in theft to the agricultural industry in the region is estimated to have cost £9.7 million in 2010.

This reflects a nationwide trend where almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of NFU Mutual branches reported an increase in rural crime in their area.

Nationally, criminals are systematically targeting Britain’s farms with a 17 per cent rise in “agri-crime” over the last two years.

While across the country thieves have targeted expensive tractors, heating oil, scrap metal and livestock, the theft of power tools such as chainsaws, lawnmowers and workshop tools topped the list of items stolen by rural criminals in Shropshire.

Fuel, such as farm diesel and domestic heating oil, came in a close second followed by tractors.

The NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey is based on the 2010 claims dealt with by its network of branch offices located in rural towns and villages.

Unlike some other crime reports, NFU Mutual’s survey includes claims for crimes against homes, farms, commercial premises and vehicles.

Rebecca Millard, NFU Mutual agent in Market Drayton, said: “No matter what the statistics say, theft and crime in rural areas is highly organised and is a very real threat at all times of year.

“Thieves in our area won’t just target tractors, Land Rovers and farm machinery, they can also make money from stealing and selling smaller items like quad bikes and power tools that can be stolen and sold on in the blink of an eye.”

Edward Garratt, NFU Mutual agent in Bridgnorth, said: “People should make sure their quad bikes and power tools are secured in a locked building when they’re not being used.”

Oliver Cartwright, NFU spokesman in Shropshire, said: “The new findings show an increase in tool, tractor and livestock thefts and this will be of great concern to Shropshire farmers.

“The NFU is also encouraging its members to sign up to Farm Watch which encourages rural communities to help the police,” he added.

By Lisa Rowley