As the Cost of Farming Crisis deepened so too did diesel thefts from farms, which more than doubled in 2022 to almost £1m as the price of diesel rocketed.

The thefts, recorded by NFU Mutual, throughout 2022 has led the insurer to urge farmers to fortify their farmyards to stop thieves from stealing their diesel tanks. The latest claims figures show that the cost of diesel theft rose to a record £886,197 during the year.

As the cost-of-living crisis continued to bite consumers and diesel prices remained close to record levels, the insurer was concerned that diesel raids could continue to increase in coming months.

September was the costliest month last year, with claims amounting to £229,537, compared to just £36,237 in 2021.

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NFU Mutual's rural affairs specialist, Hannah Binns, said: “With diesel costing around £1.75 per litre at the pumps, farmers’ fuel tanks are now like liquid gold to thieves.

“Farmers need fuel to keep the nation fed, so these thefts are a major concern for agriculture at a time when fast-rising input costs are adding further pressures on rural businesses.

“As well as the loss of vital fuel, thieves often damage tanks leaving fuel running into the ground where it can cause horrendous pollution, as well as an increased fire risk. We are urging farmers and other rural businesses to review and upgrade their security systems to protect diesel stocks from thieves.”

Ensuring the farmyard has effective security in place is the first step, said Andy Manson, managing director of the insurer's risk management business. “Where possible, locate fuel tanks where the can be seen from the farmhouse, ideally within an enclosed compound with secured access," he advised.

"It is also worth considering fitting a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks.”