SHROPSHIRE is the third worst affected county by rural crime, a report by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has revealed.

According to the 2023 Rural Crime Report, it has been found that the cost of rural crime in the county leapt up 102.7 per cent in 2022 to an amount of over two million pounds.

This sharp increase may be due to events such as the invasion of Ukraine and the current cost-of-living crisis which have opened up illicit markets, leading to farmers being targeted by both organised and opportunist criminals.

A rise in the cost of rural crime has been experienced across England and Wales, reaching a total estimate of almost fifty million pounds.

The theft of quadbikes, trailers, Land Rovers and other agricultural vehicles have all increased as criminal gangs are cashing in on the rising cost and limited supply of vehicles and machinery.

Theft of fuel from both farms and rural homes has doubled in the last year as high inflation has driven up the price of diesel and domestic oil.

The cost of agricultural GPS theft also increased last year, with figures indicating that the problem may have doubled this year.

Dog attacks have also risen more than fifty per cent between 2019 and 2022 as puppies purchased over the pandemic came of age. NFU mutual has also heard from farmers whose livestock have drowned, suffocated, fallen off cliffs or miscarried as a result of being chased by dogs.

An NFU spokesperson said: "Spring 2023 has seen a constant stream of reports of cattle and sheep being attacked by dogs", adding that dog owners should be aware that harsh penalties are in place dealing with livestock attacks.