NFU Mutual, which insures around 75% of the UK’s farmers, has estimated more than 85,000 farm animals could have been stolen across the country in 2015, costing owners over £6.2m.
In coming up with the estimate, the insurer took into consideration other firms’ customers as well as non-insured losses. It is coordinating with police to address the rustling issue.
A report by FG Insight said NFU Mutual’s statement follows an incident involving a young farmer who lost about 200 animals to thieves and posted an appeal on social media.
“A decade ago, rustling was typically a local crime involving half a dozen lambs or one bullock. Now it is an organised crime with some farmers losing over a hundred sheep in one theft,” said Tim Price, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, as quoted by the report.
According to the report, Price said there are still places of concern – particularly in Wales – even amid a decline in costs based on early claims data from last year.
NFU Mutual recommends checking ear tags and livestock records when purchasing stock to avoid being sold stolen animals.
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