Landowners are being urged to turn their farmyards into fortresses to tackle a rise in criminals targeting diesel and fertiliser stores.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) said police rural crime teams across the region have warned that thefts of both heating and vehicle fuel are on the increase.

Several thefts of fuel from domestic and commercial tanks were reported to police in March as kerosene prices soared to more than double the October 2021 prices.

Rebecca Davidson, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said: "Over the years we have found that criminals react very quickly to target goods which have become expensive and in short supply.

"Because of this, we are urging farmers to review security measures in their farmyards and make plans to reduce the risk of diesel being taken, when tractors and combines are left out in the fields.

"In the past, fertiliser thefts have been rare and farmers haven't needed to put security in place to protect stocks. However, the huge swing in prices makes it possible that thieves will be on the lookout for stored fertiliser"

Landowners have been advised to secure vehicles and fuel out of sight, secure gates and block unused entrances and install extra locks, lighting, CCTV and fencing to secure heating oil and fuel tanks.

They should also consider a tank alarm and keep an inventory of fuel levels so thefts can be identified promptly and reported to police.

It is not just farmers who should be vigilant about the effects of fuel increases.

Average petrol prices rose by 12.6p per litre between February and March, the largest monthly rise since records began in 1990, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

The sharp increase has pushed inflation rates to rise at their fastest rate for 30 years, up to 7 per cent in March, compared to 6.2 per cent in February.