CRIMINALS targeting farms in the North West stole goods worth around £2.6million last year.

There has been a rise in agricultural crime in the area during the past two years, according to new statistics published by the UK’s leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual.

Theft of power tools such as chainsaws, lawnmowers and jet-washers topped the list of items targeted by rural criminals.

And fuel such as domestic heating oil and farm diesel came in second followed by the theft of quad bikes.

Bosses at the insurance firm warned that rural crime would continue to increase with the countryside proving difficult to police and attitudes towards security remaining relaxed.

Hedley Roberts, from the NFU, 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."

Mr Roberts added: “People should make sure their quad bikes and power tools are secured in a locked building when they’re not being used.

“Unless they’re marked and identifiable, many farm and household items can be difficult to trace but very simple for criminals to sell.

“It’s all about taking small steps to make life much harder for rural criminals.

“Making outbuildings more secure is an effective deterrent and taking the time to mark your more valuable items will make it much easier to trace the criminal and return your property should it ever get stolen.”