THE first rise in rural crime rates for years was notched up in 2002.

Expensive tools, such as welders, chain-saws and power drills, topped the thieves' lists.

But raiders are increasingly targeting horse owners, with big rises in thefts of riding tack and trailers.

And it is feared the trend is putting the rural heritage of trust at risk.

Theft in the countryside rose by 5.7pc last year, the first national rise for four years, according to a review of claim settlements by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.

The biggest increases were in Northern Ireland and in the North-East, where the cost of settled claims soared by 50pc.

The upward trend has been confirmed by the NFU Mutual's 600 agents, who look after the insurance needs of farmers, firms and people who live in the countryside.

More than 70pc of agents felt rural crime had gone up over the last year.

The survey also revealed that 75pc of agents thought country people had become more worried about crime than a year ago.

Opinion was split over the perceived success of farm and country watch schemes in deterring crime, with 57.6pc believing they had little or no effect and 42.4pc thinking they are effective.

As well as the expensive tools, thefts of four by four vehicles, tractors and all-terrain vehicles also rose, along with thefts of diesel from farm and hauliers' yards.

"We are concerned to see rural crime is on the increase again," said NFU Mutual underwriting manager Sid Gibson. "The traditional way of life in the countryside, which generations have found so appealing, is based on trust and the ability to exist without elaborate and expensive security measures. High levels of rural crime put this at risk."

In the decade up to 1998, the cost of rural crime rose tenfold before levelling off and then dropping slightly in line with national crime figures.

"Today's criminals seem more determined," said Mr Gibson. "Increasingly, thefts happen in broad daylight and we get reports of the 'double whammy approach,' with thieves making a quick visit to see what is on the premises and checking security and then returning with the tools to break in."

Mr Gibson urged all country dwellers to review security on a regular basis. He said locking doors at all times was also a good idea, as well as keeping tools out of sight.

Fitting appropriate security measures was also recommended.

"If thieves can see there are good locks in place and there is nothing valuable on view, there is a good chance they will move on," he said.

NFU Mutual also provides an on-site risk management service to help firms minimise risk areas such as security, work accidents and pollution.

Basic security advice from the NFU Mutual includes:

Vehicles - remove keys when unattended; use security lighting in yards.

Farms and businesses - mark livestock clearly; keep computers out of sight; lock up tools and equipment out of sight.

Homes - install a burglar alarm; fit mortice locks on doors; fit window locks at ground-floor level and accessible first-floor windows; put strong padlocks on garages and outbuildings; don't leave valuables on view; store ladders and tools out of sight; set timers for lights and radios when not at home; do not keep large sums of cash in the house