Rural crime wave grips the country
Insurers say thefts in outof-town areas have reached a four-year peak as criminals seek rich pickings
THE UK is in the “grip of a rural crime wave”, with countryside thefts hitting a four-year peak.
Equestrians have been urged to protect their yards against thieves after insurer NFU Mutual released the 2017 figures.
Last year, there was a 13.4% increase on rural crime from 2016, with initial estimates showing the cost at around £44.5m.
The south-east of England, Midlands and Wales were subjected to the greatest rise.
“More criminals are targeting the countryside and they are going for richer pickings,” said Tim
Price, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist.
He offered practical advice to equestrians to help protect their yards from crime (see box).
“A lot [can be done] to deter thieves by taking simple security measures,” said Mr Price. “Fitting gates to prevent easy access is one of the most effective measures. High-tech security such as movement detectors, infra-red cameras and ‘geo-fencing’, which triggers an alarm if a farm vehicle moves off the premises, can also play their part.”
CUTTING FENCES
THIEVES recently targeted Carla Michalik’s Hertfordshire yard.
They cut through a neighbour’s fence before reaching the locked gate to her land.
When the padlock held fast, they removed the gate from its hinges.
They stole items worth about £2,000 in total, including generators, engine oil, strimmers, a bush cutter and a jet-washer, from a secure metal container.
“We have owned the land for 15 years and this is our first break-in,” Ms Michalik told
H&H. “Three other premises, all neighbours of ours, were also targeted that week and had similar items stolen.
“We also have an Equi-Trek trailer and an Ifor Williams flatbed trailer, which were thankfully still there, although they did take the ramp down on the Equi-Trek and had a thorough snoop around.
“I have had to spend a considerable amount of money on additional trailer locks, padlocks and chains.
“Fingers crossed our efforts will prevent this from happening again, but I believe once they really want something, they’ll come prepared and break through anything to get it.”