Thieves target fertiliser and fuel

Farmyards are under threat from thieves as diesel and fertiliser prices rocket, a leading insurer has warned.

Urging farmers to turn their farmyards into fortresses to protect diesel and fertiliserfromthieves,amid high prices, NFU Mutual yesterday said that the combination of high prices and shortages could lead to a surge in farmers’ red diesel tanks and fertiliser stores becoming targets for theft.

The Mutual said that despite reductions in fuel duty following the Chancellor’s Spring Statement last week, white diesel was still costing over£1.75alitreatmanyservice stationsandfarmerswerechasingsuppliesofreddiesel-which hasitselfdo8ubledinpriceover the past year - to keep their tractors working the fields.

Fertiliser prices have increased up to four-fold in the lastyearsaidrebeccadavidson Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual who added that supplies had dried up as high gas prices made it uneconomic for manufacturerstokeepproduction going.

“Whilesomefarmersareunable to get hold of fertiliser and others are refusing to order stocksatcurrentprices,others who bought early have increasinglyvaluablestocks intheirfarmbuildings,”said Davidson.

“Together the price rises and shortages are threatening future food supplies – but making stored fuel and fertiliseramajortemptation for thieves at the same time. It’s making future planning a nightmare for farmers.

Shesaidthatovertheyears criminals had reacted very quickly to target goods which had become expensive and in short supply – and added that fuel thefts had been reported to police across the country.