The Midlands has bucked a UK-wide trend as the cost of rural crime in the region plummeted.

New figures have revealed a fall of 6.7 per cent to an estimate of £11.7 million in 2023 according to new figures from NFU Mutual.

Despite the drop in the Midlands, the total cost of rural crime in the UK rose above £50 million, with a substantial 137 per cent increase in Global Positioning System (GPS) units thefts, reaching an estimated £4.2 million, indicating organised crime is on the rise.

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Criminals have shown an increased interest in high-value farming equipment such as quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), resulting in an estimated £3.2 million in claim costs.

Another troubling trend indicates that thieves often target multiple farms in one night before relocating, then return weeks later to steal any replacement units.

The total claim cost for agricultural vehicle thefts fell nine per cent to an estimated £10.7 million last year, suggesting that efforts against criminals could be paying off.

However, livestock theft remained high in 2023, with estimated costs reaching £2.7 million across the UK.

Dog attacks on farm animals led to estimated damages of £2.4 million in 2023, marking a 30 per cent increase.

In response to the rising crime rates in rural areas, NFU has invested over £1 million since 2021 to counteract the trend.

The insurer also partnered with the National Rural Crime Unit last year, which resulted in the seizure of £3.1 million worth of stolen vehicles and machinery.

Mike Alder, NFU's regional manager for the region, said: "Although we've seen a fall in the cost of rural crime in the Midlands, all the indications suggest rural crime is becoming more organised, sophisticated and determined in its nature, which is incredibly alarming for people who live and work in the countryside."

He added: "It's the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home.

"It's also living in fear of repeat attacks, knowing that thieves are always looking for new ways to target rural communities."