Homeowners in rural areas are at an increased risk of crime, according to insurance provider NFU Mutual.
Figures obtained by the firm via the Freedom of Information Act show that two thirds of police forces in England and Wales have seen an increase in robberies over the past three months, with the largest rise in rural areas.
Reports of violent theft in the countryside have risen by 17.5 percent, with thefts from rural homes up by 14.7 percent over the course of 2008.
NFU Mutual spokesman Tim Price explained that there are precautious homeowners can take to protect against crime, these include fitting floodlights and securing gates. He also advised rural residents to check home insurance policies to ensure that the contents of outbuildings are covered and to secure windows and doors with appropriate locks.
"There is widespread concern in the countryside that the recession will lead to a crime wave," he said. "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." Figures released by Axa yesterday found an increase in claims for arson and malicious damage from small businesses in the final six months of 2008, with the firm suggesting that this trend could continue as the recession deepens.
