The NFU has called for action to tackle rural crime following the
publication of NFU Mutual's latest Rural Crime Report, which
shows that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £52.8m, an
increase of 4.3% from last year.
GPS unit thefts alone rose by a staggering 137% – increases can
also be seen in quad bike, ATV and livestock thefts, while the
cost of agricultural vehicle theft decreased by 9%.
In response, NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos
said: “As NFU Mutual's report highlights, rural crime
has continued to plague the British countryside over the past
year. Criminals steal expensive GPS equipment, livestock and
high-value farm machinery, while also trespassing on private land
and regularly fly-tipping tons of rubbish.
"Not only does rural crime significantly cost the UK on a
national level, but it also has a significant impact personally
to those farm businesses and farming families financially and
emotionally affected, leaving many rural communities feeling
vulnerable and intimidated.
"The new government has been clear that food security is national
security, and we want to see policy that now recognises that.
Given the unprecedented rise in GPS theft, the NFU is looking
forward to the new government delivering its rural crime
strategy that was announced in April, starting by extending
the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act to cover GPS theft from farm
vehicles.
“The alarming trends in livestock theft and worrying also need
urgent attention. The NFU welcomed the Dogs (Protection of
Livestock) (Amendment) Bill which aimed to give police greater
powers to seize and detain dogs. The Bill received cross party
support and was due to be debated in the House of Lords when
Parliament was dissolved prior to the election. It is crucial
similar measures are introduced to stop this needless suffering
to livestock. The NFU was pleased to see a new Crime and Policing
Bill introduced in the King's Speech, and we look forward to
seeing the details of this Bill when published.
“Rural crime is very different from urban crime with the scale,
cost and social impact underestimated, under-reported and not
fully understood. Collaboration is key to tackling rural crime
effectively, and the National Rural Crime Unit is a great example
of farmers, policymakers, and the Police and Crime Commissioners
working together at both national and local levels to protect UK
farming businesses from criminal gangs."
-ends-
Notes to editor:
- The NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report
2024, published today (Thursday 1 August), reveals that:
- Rural crime cost the UK an estimated £52.8m in 2023, up
from £49.5m the previous year.
- The UK cost of GPS theft increased by 137% to £4.2m in
2023.
- Quad and ATV theft reported to NFU Mutual cost £3.2m
nationally, a 9% rise on the previous year.
- Dog attacks increased by 30%, costing £2.4m.
- The recovery of stolen machinery increased to £3.1m
- Agricultural vehicle theft cost £10.7m, decreasing by 9%.
- Livestock theft remains one of the costliest crimes at
£2.7m.
