The number of thefts from farms across England has risen sharply over the past year, a new study has revealed.
Throughout all regions of England, farms were targeted by thieves who stole machinery and diesel and raided farm buildings - which could impact on the cost of
commercial insurance.
However according to NFU Mutual, which carried out the study, the cost of farm machinery theft dropped by over 50 per cent in Scotland and Northern Ireland throughout the same period, while a fall of a quarter was recorded in Wales.
Terry Price, of NFU Mutual, said: "Last year we saw a huge rise in metal thefts as commodity prices rose. Farmers have had irrigation pipes, gates and even heavy pieces of machinery taken by metal thieves."
Meanwhile, insurer Defaqto has warned homeowners to make sure the contents of their gardens - or farms - are adequately insured against theft, as the cost to replace water features and other items is often expensive.
InsureandGo offers a range of
commercial insurance options to protect premises from theft and damage.