THE current farming crisis might have caused thieves to turn their attentions away from farms, to concentrate on rural homes and businesses.

Latest figures on rural crime released by the UK's leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual, show that the cost of burglaries from rural homes and businesses rose by 6pc in 1999, costing £168m.

In contrast there was a drop in the cost of thefts from farms nationally from £93m in 1998 to £82m in 1999, which was reflected in the North-East, with the cost of thefts dropping from £18m in 1998 to £15m in 1999.

However, tractor thefts bucked this trend with thefts nationally rising by 50pc as organised gangs stepped up activities, stealing new tractors for export.

Speaking at the Royal Show, NFU Mutual underwriting manager, Mr Sid Gibson, said that it appeared that the farming crisis had reduced the saleability of stolen farm equipment and livestock, prompting thieves to turn their attentions to rural homes and businesses instead.

Mr Gibson added: "Although we have seen a fall in the cost of thefts from farms, the rise in domestic theft does lend weight to the theory that improved security in urban areas, combined with the country's extensive motorway network, is leading would-be thieves to believe there are easy pickings to be had in rural areas."

Measures suggested to help make travelling criminals think twice about targeting the countryside, include fitting key-operated window locks, installing alarms, locking garden gates, making sure gardening equipment is secure, and fitting concrete bases to garden statues and ornaments.

NFU Mutual also recommends computers are fitted with lock down devices, and other equipment and machinery is locked away where possible, or immobilisers are fitted, particularly to tractors.

It also suggests CCTV cameras for yards where livestock is kept and having horses freeze-marked, and all riding equipment stored securely