Farmers ‘under siege’, as figures show rise in crime

Farm-related crime and anti-social behaviour has risen over the last four years, new figures from the Home Office have shown.

The statistics have prompted the NFU in England to call for prompt action to deal with the issue.

In its Rural Crime Report, the union called on authorities to ensure there is a dedicated rural police team in each force and for government to bring together a crossdepartmental taskforce that could address failures in dealing with rural crime.

Deputy president Guy Smith said: “These new figures will come as no great surprise to farmers on the ground who often feel in a state of siege from the criminal fraternity.

“These crimes, whether it is fly-tipping, hare-coursing, burglary or theft, have more in common with organised crime than simply spontaneous acts, and it all impacts on the daily lives of farmers in far-reaching and costly ways.

“Crime in the countryside is not a simple fix and it needs commitment and resource from both the police and government.”

Mr Smith said that because of suspected links to organised crime, any solution to the problem would need cross-departmental co-operation in government.

“The NFU has pushed hard to ensure agriculture is included in these statistics, to provide solid evidence that can be presented to police and government,” he said.

“It is time that we saw some considerable action being taken by government and police to curb increasing crime in the countryside, and allow farmers to do what they do best – producing food for the nation.”