The cost of rural crime throughout the UK has risen to £44.5m according to new figures from NFU Mutual.

The figures show the cost of agricultural vehicle theft, quad and ATV theft and livestock have all risen.

Almost every region in the UK has seen a rise in rural crime overall.

NFU deputy president Guy Smith said: “Without doubt, rural crime is one of the most pressing, impactful and devastating issues farmers are dealing with at the moment.

“The impacts are far-reaching. Farms are not only places of business, but they are also homes. With many farmers experiencing intimidation, violence, threats and criminal acts right on their doorstep, the need for measures to curb this activity has never been greater.”

The NFU is calling on a cross-departmental rural crime task force to be formed to deal with the growing issue.