A SHARP rise in the cost of rural crime to the Cumbrian economy has prompted the NFU to launch an initiative to combat the issue.

The figures form part of NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Report, published today, revealing that despite the UK seeing a 4 per cent drop last year, the cost of rural theft has increased significantly in the first half of 2017.

The items most commonly targeted by thieves across Cumbria over the last 12 months were tools, trailers and horseboxes, and ATV (all terrain vehicles) and quad bikes.

Sarah Kitching, NFU Mutual agent in Kendal, said: "Land rover thefts have been particularly prevalent and we are encouraging members to evaluate their current security measures and make improvements where they can and to remain vigilant.

"Sheep theft remains a constant problem, very often where they are kept on shared grazing such as commons.

"We would urge farmers to make sure all thefts including attempted thefts are reported to the police so they are fully aware of the severity and frequency of this issues the rural community are facing.

"Over the next few months we at NFU Kendal will be working closely with the local Police officers to establish a Countrywatch Souths Lakes scheme where thefts and suspicious activity can be immediately reported using social media to try and catch thieves in action and to help combat and reduce rural crime.

"Local police officers have already completed some on farm training including sheep handling and understanding the sheep ID system.

"Any farmers that are keen to be involved, please contact Sarah Kitching, Chris Davies or Chris James at our NFU office in Kendal on 01539 722422. "We need farmers and the local community to come together, join with us and help set up a successful scheme to beat rural crime."

Amanda Wallbank, NFU Mutual Senior Agent for the North West, added: "The threat of becoming a victim of rural crime, and regular reports of suspicious characters watching farms is causing high levels of anxiety among farmers who know their rural location makes them vulnerable to attacks.

"Our advice to people living and working in the countryside is to regularly evaluate your current security measures making improvements where necessary, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police and local farm watch schemes."