RURAL crime is on the increase in Dorset, new figures reveal.

The cost of countryside crimes rose by £90,000 last year.

Despite reports falling across the South West, Dorset has actually seen a rise in rural offences.

Tools, all-terrain vehicles such as quad bikes, and farm machinery are on the top of thieves' wish lists, the data shows.

The figures, which are part of a nationwide report by NFU Mutual, also show that cybercrime is a growing problem for the county's rural communities.

Thieves are also picking new targets, such as solar panels.

The cost of countryside crime has increased from £630,000 in 2013 to £720,000 last year.

As reported in the Echo, Dorset Police have made rural crime one of their priorities.

Earlier this year they launched a crackdown with other forces which thwarted poachers, thieves and those committing vehicle crimes.

'Operation Midas' will be repeated throughout the year as part of Dorset Police's ongoing Rural Crime Strategy.

A crackdown earlier this year saw 50 vehicles stopped as part of the operation that thwarted poachers, seized weapons and gained intelligence into criminal activity.

The county's force has been working with colleagues in Hampshire and Wiltshire.

At the launch of Operation Midas Inspector Wayne Nock, of Dorset Police said: "We certainly take rural crime very seriously and will continue to proactively target anyone who attempts to commit any type of crime within rural areas."

The picture in Dorset contrasted a regional decline in the cost of rural crime, with Jeremy Atkins - a senior local agent at NFU Mutual - admitting 'problem areas' remain.

He said: “That there’s been an overall decline in the cost of rural crime over the last 12 months is welcome news and reflects the huge efforts being made by communities and others to tackle this problem. Initiatives aimed at reducing livestock theft and installing tracking for agricultural vehicles are having a real impact and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals.

“That said, problem areas remain and thieves continue to exploit weaknesses.

“So, while the survey contains some good news, it also highlights the need for rural communities to remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds.”