Police in Waikato advise farmers to step up security around both the home and farm as rural burglaries increase.
Despite a fall in burglaries in Hamilton, there were 800 more burglaries in eastern and western Waikato last year, compared with the previous year.
Police say farms are targeted because they are isolated and the most commonly stolen item is the hot water cylinder, for the value of their copper interior.
Farmers are also advised to report all stock thefts.
