The cost of rural crime in the UK reached an estimated £52.8 million in 2023, according to new data from NFU Mutual.
This marks an increase from £50.6 million the previous year, highlighting a trend of escalating incidents as criminals become more organised and sophisticated.
A significant factor contributing to this rise was the targeting of Global Positioning System (GPS) units by organised gangs. The value of claims related to these thefts surged by 137%, reaching an estimated £4.2 million.
Reports indicate that these thieves often hit multiple farms in one night, then relocate and return weeks later to steal replacements. The high-tech equipment, typically costing over £10,000 per unit, is critical for guiding tractors and combine harvesters, and its theft causes significant operational disruptions for farmers.
Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) also remained a focus for thieves, with thefts increasing by 9% to an estimated £3.2 million in claims reported to NFU Mutual. These vehicles are essential for farmers to navigate their fields and perform their work efficiently, making their loss particularly disruptive.
Despite these increases, the total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts decreased by 9% to an estimated £10.7 million in 2023, suggesting some success in combating this issue. Livestock theft continued to be a problem, with an estimated cost of £2.7 million. Instances of farm animals being butchered in fields were reported, causing distress and concern among the farming community.
Dog attacks on livestock also saw a rise, with an estimated £2.4 million worth of animals injured or killed in 2023, a nearly 30% increase from the previous year. The economic pressures of inflation made farming equipment a more attractive target for thieves, increasing the impact of each theft on rural communities.
To address these challenges, NFU Mutual has invested over £1 million since 2021 in initiatives to combat rural crime. In 2023, the insurer became a major supporter of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU), which focuses on detecting and preventing rural crime. The NRCU, staffed by experienced police officers, works alongside NFU Mutual's dedicated team to share data, identify at-risk areas, and recover stolen property.
The collaborative efforts between NFU Mutual and the NRCU led to the recovery of £3.1 million worth of stolen vehicles and machinery in 2023. Additionally, NFU Mutual has funded the UK’s first livestock theft officer at the NRCU to address this specific issue.
Hannah Binns, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, noted the increasing organisation and sophistication of rural crime.
“Being from a family farm, I know first-hand that the impact of rural crime goes well beyond the practicalities of farming. It’s the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home. It’s also living in fear of repeat attacks, knowing that thieves are always looking for new ways to target rural communities,” Binns said.
Regional variations in the cost of rural crime were observed, with increases in Scotland and Wales, and a decrease in Northern Ireland. A survey of NFU Mutual Agents found that 91% believed thieves were becoming more organised, and 82% reported knowing farmers affected by rural crime in their areas.
Furthermore, 86% indicated that rural crime was negatively impacting farmers' mental wellbeing, with 77% aware of repeat victims.
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