FARMERS and villagers are urged to remain vigilant when it comes to thieves raiding farmers and rural properties.

As part of the annual Rural Crime Survey, NFU Mutual released figures showing that rural crime has cost the region a total of £1.5m over the past year and £44.5m across the whole of the country as more people claim from thefts.

The top five items targeted by thieves were tools, quad bikes, oil and diesel, machinery and garden equipment.

Andrew Webster, of NFU Mutual, said that hay balers, ploughs and livestock, in particular sheep, had all been stolen.

He said: “While high value thefts are often planned, there are also a number of opportunist thefts of garden ornaments and tools, and raids on outbuildings.”

Yet despite the high cost to the region, rural crime in the region has continued to fall steadily since 2010, according to North Yorkshire Police.

In July a total of 535 rural crimes were recorded compared to 566 last year and 745 in 2010.

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said that as chairman of the National Rural Crime Network she was going to continue to ensure that the issue remains a priority. both locally and nationally.

She said: “Rural crime has been a key priority of mine for some time.” as it has for the chief constable.

“Operation Hawk is a good example of the work ongoing in North Yorkshire to tackle criminals preying in our rural communities, many of whom come from outside the county. The results speak for themselves and I know our proactive approach is welcomed across the county.

Farmers and village residents are advised to report any suspicious activity to the police and to regularly review the security of buildings and property.