Rural crime stays steady

Rural crime cost the Kent economy £1.8million last year, the same amount as the year before, it has been revealed. Tools, quad bikes and fuel, such as domestic heating oil and red diesel, were top of the list for thieves in the county according to research by the NFU Mutual farming insurance firm. While Kent’s crime figure flatlined, the nationwide cost of rural crime grew 5.2% to £44.5million in 2013, following a fall of 19% from the year before. However, the after-affects could be making the economic impact much higher, according to the Kent branch of the CLA, the Country Land and Business Association. Last year, Godinton House near Ashford had two lead statues worth £30,000 stolen from their grounds as well as a chainsaw worth £1,200. Estate manager Nick Sandford, who is chairman of the Kent CLA, said: “The ongoing cost of staff time and repairs are the unseen cost of rural crime. “By the time you have fixed fences, put in new locks, dealt with the tenants affected and discussed the security costs you have added half a day’s work. That is not factored into the cost of these things.” Canterbury-based NFU Mutual agent James Hodge said: “The cost of claims remains high as a result of high-value items being stolen. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and fight rural crime.”

For information on crime prevention visit www.nfumutual. co.uk/ruralcrime

COST: Nick Sandford