THE cost of rural crime fell to £2.5m in Yorkshire during 2014 – down from £3.6m in 2013.

However the North-East was one of the few areas in the UK to record an increase – up from £840,000 in 2013 to £1m last year.

In both region's all terrain vehicles, particularly quad bikes remained the favourite target, along with tools. In Yorkshire domestic heating fuel and red diesel were also targeted as were vehicles in the North East.

The figures are contained in the NFU Mutual's annual Rural Crime Survey which showed the nationwide cost fell by 15 per cent to an estimated £37.8 million.

The survey did highlight two changes in the nature of rural crime. Cybercrime was said to be a growing problem by 63 per cent of those surveyed along with the theft of solar panels.

Sam Webster, NFU Mutual Agent in Yorkshire, said the fall in rural crime in the region reflected huge efforts being made by communities and others to tackle the problem.

"Initiatives aimed at reducing livestock theft and installing CESAR tracking for agricultural vehicles are having a real impact and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals," he said.

"That said, problem areas remain and thieves continue to exploit weaknesses such as around ATVs and tools.

"So, while today’s survey contains some good news, it also highlights the need for rural communities to remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds."

The items most commonly targeted by thieves across the North East over the last 12 months were all terrain vehicles such as quad-bikes, tools and vehicles.

Cath Reed, Senior Agent in NFU Mutual’s Hexham branch, said: "It is disappointing to see levels of rural crime rising across the North East, especially when there has been a decline nationally. Initiatives aimed at reducing livestock theft and installing CESAR tracking on agricultural vehicles are having a real impact across the country and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals.

"But the figures for the North East underscore the message that criminals will move to take advantage of weaknesses and rural communities should remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds."