Farmers are being warned to review their security following a sharp rise in tractor and quad bike thefts, according to figures.
The value of tractor claims increased by 35% in two months to the end of January compared with the same period last year, reversing the downward trend seen at the end of 2012.
Quad bikes have also seen a sharp rise in thefts over the same two month period. At the beginning of March the National Farmers' Union issued a warning that 'urged people to be on their guard.'
"We appreciate that it is a busy time of year but we encourage farmers to do all they possibly can, in terms of locking vehicles and sheds, to reduce the risk of falling victim to these thefts" said Mark Simpson, NFU group secretary.
"Rural crime totalled an estimated £2.3 million during 2011, with the UK-wide cost of 'agri-crime' up 6 per cent to an estimated £52.7 million."
"The impact crimes such as metal, vehicle and diesel thefts and fly tipping have on rural communities are extremely negative and we will stress the need to work in partnership to tackle rural crime" Simpson said.
The shock rise comes after a prolonged period of falling tractor thefts since they peaked in 2010.
It also follows a period of intense activity to improve tractor security and policing which has involved farmers, police forces throughout the UK, the Borders Agency and NFU Mutual.
Over the past two years, manufacturers have started to introduce unique keys to most tractor models, the CESAR marking system has become widespread on new tractors, as has been retro-fitting to older machines.
Clive Harris, who leads NFU Mutual's vehicle security initiative, said: "The sudden increases in farm vehicle theft is very worrying – particularly as it comes after tractor theft fell by over 32% in the first 11 months of 2012 – a fantastic result.
"High value tractors worth £25,000 or more – and particularly those with front end loaders – are the most commonly stolen tractors at present. Thieves are also increasingly targeting telescopic loaders, quads and utility vehicles.
"Our experience helping country people who have been victims of rural crime clearly shows that theft has an emotional and financial impact on their lives and fortunes."
Harris warned would-be purchasers of tractors, quads and utility vehicles to ensure sellers had proof of ownership and advised farmers who had quads stolen that thieves would often return a few weeks later to try and steal a replacement machine.
