"We have seen sharp increases in rural crime in previous economic downturns and are concerned that these worrying figures could mark the first evidence of a new rural crime wave," said NFU Mutual's Tim Price.

He urged people to check their property didn't present easy targets for opportunist thieves. If opportunist thieves see gates, floodlights and possible CCTV cameras there's a good chance they will keep going in search of easier pickings elsewhere.

Detailed advice on security for rural properties is available on NFU Mutual's website www.nfumutual.co.uk