RURAL crime in Worcestershire cost £890,000 in 2014, according to a leading insurer.

The figures, disclosed by NFU Mutual, is up from £740,000 in 2013, despite a decline in the cost of rural crime nationally,

The items most commonly targeted by thieves across Worcestershire over the last 12 months were tools, vehicles and fuels such as domestic heating oil and farmers’ supplies of red’ diesel.

But, reflecting the changing nature of rural crime, NFU Mutual's branch offices are reporting that cybercrime is a growing problem for rural communities, and thieves are also starting to take advantage of new targets such as solar panels.

The company'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.

Ray Foster-Morison, NFU Mutual's senior agent in Worcestershire, said: "It is disappointing to see levels of rural crime rising in Worcestershire, especially when there has been a decline nationally. Initiatives aimed at reducing livestock theft and installing tracking on agricultural vehicles are having a real impact across the country and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals.

"But the figures for Worcestershire 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."