Agriculture is suffering major losses with the cost to NI farm owners estimated at around £3.8m over the past year.

New figures revealed by insurance group NFU Mutual in their 'rural crime survey' show a 28% increase in thefts from the local agricultural sector.

It said that quad bikes topped the list of items most frequently stolen by criminals here, followed by tractors and power tools such as chainsaws, electric drills and lawnmowers.

Just today, the theft of expensive equipment from a Donaghcloney farm has also been condemned.

UUP MLA Jo-Anne Dobson was commenting after thieves took a Ford 8340 Tractor and a new diet feeder, (not pictured).

The feeder, a Feedmix, is a rare item with the owner believing there to be only around five in Northern Ireland.

The thefts took place from a cattle shed in the evening of Friday 5 August.

Voicing her concerns, Mrs Dobson the UUP Agriculture Spokesperson said: "I am saddened to hear of yet another theft of farm equipment.

"This is currently a worrying trend and I would encourage all those living in rural areas to make sure that their outhouses and expensive equipment are secured.

"Whilst no less distressing that the theft from a family home or business, the theft of equipment from a farm affects the livelihoods of those living and working in rural areas," she said.

"This is the latest in a number of such incidences of thefts from farms across Northern Ireland.

"I utterly condemn those responsible and will be in contact with the local PSNI to ensure that this incident is investigated thoroughly and consideration is being given as to how to avoid a recurrence."

She also said that the farmer has put forward a reward for information leading to the return of the stolen items and noted that anyone with any information or who may have seen anything suspicious is asked to contact the PSNI at Banbridge on 0845 600 8000."

These thefts are nothing new as, back in April, Danny Kinahan, the Ulster Unionist MLA in South Antrim warned of spate of farm machinery thefts in that area.

He said that he has been inundated by queries from local farmers who have experienced the theft of costly and essential farm equipment recently.

He called on the police to raise awareness of the issue and encouraged local farmers to co-operate with one another and remain vigilant and noted that all information should be passed to the PSNI as soon as possible.

"As agriculture is such a key part of our local economy," he said.

"We should establish a dedicated Province-wide contact point which can co-ordinate a regional response to the alarming increase in this type of theft," he urged.

A statement released by the PSNI on Monday said: "Police are firmly committed to tackling the issue of crime against the rural community across Northern Ireland.

"Overall crime fell in all four rural policing districts which meant that there were approx 2,500 fewer victims of crime in these areas.

"We understand the impact these crimes have on the rural community and the grave impact they can have on farmers' livelihoods. So it is essential that everyone - Police, farming community, elected representatives - continues to work together to tackle issues of concern."

See: Farm Thefts Highlighted

(BMcC/GK)