Countryside crime soars

THIEVES are stealing expensive tools from homes and businesses in rural areas because they are more difficult to police, according to research out today.

Figures from insurance company NFU Mutual showed that so-called "agri-crime" had risen by 17 per cent in the past two years.

The thefts are estimated to have cost 49.7 million to countryside householders and rural businesses last year, the company said.

Items taken range from tractors, heating oil and livestock to chainsaws, electric drills and lawnmowers.