RURAL crime cost Wiltshire £840,000 in 2014, down from £1 million the year before.

The figures are part of a UK-wide survey by National Farmers Union Mutual. The leading rural insurer’s annual Rural Crime Survey shows the nationwide cost of rural crime totalled an estimated £37.8 million in 2014, a 15 per cent reduction on last year’s figures.

Thieves are still targeting high-end equipment however, including tools, garden equipment, ATVs such as quad-bikes and machinery.

Reflecting the changing nature of rural crime, in a survey of NFU Mutual’s nationwide network of branch offices, 63% of those surveyed said that cybercrime is a growing problem for rural communities.

Recent claims data also shows thieves are taking advantage of new targets such as solar panels.

Jonathan Price, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Wiltshire, said: “That there’s been an overall decline in the cost of rural crime over the last 12 months is welcome news and reflects the huge efforts being made by communities and others to tackle this 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.

“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.”

For more information visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime.