Rural crime the ‘single biggest domestic issue’

With the cost of rural crime hitting a five-year high and withadoubledigitincrease in the past year alone, NFU England and Wales president, Minette Batters has described theft as the single biggest domestic issue facing farmers.

Initial estimates from NFU Mutual, the insurer of almost three quarters of the UK’S farms, show that theft cost the UK’S rural homes, businesses and farms a staggering £44.5 million last year.

Further analysis of the Mutual’s claim statistics reveals 2017 saw an increase of 13.4 per cent – the highest year on year percentage rise since 2010. Normally, the Mutual publishes a detailed report on rural crime trends in August. This provides a detailed analysis including county statistics and information on changing patterns of theft.

This year, widespread concern in rural communities has led NFU Mutual to issue an early warning to farmersandcountrydwellers to increase security.

“NFU Mutual’s close links to farmers and country people through our 300 local branch offices have revealed widespread concern that more criminals are targeting the countryside and they are going for richer pickings,” said Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist.

“From the South East of England to the North of Scotland we’re seeing brazen criminals stealing cars, 4 x 4s, tractors, quad bikes and tools. We’re especially concerned that criminals are becoming more sophisticated and are overcoming electronic security to steal expensive vehicles of all types.

“With police facing huge challenges – including budget cuts and extra workload – forces are finding it hard to resource rural policing and this may be one of the reasons for the rise in thefts we are seeing.”

Price called on farmers and those living in rural areas to take more security measures.

“There is still a perception among criminals that there are easy targets in the countryside. Fitting gates to prevent easy access to farm yards and drives is one of the most effective measures.

“High-tech security such as movement detectors, infra-redcamerasand‘geofencing’, which triggers an alarm if a farm vehicle moves off the premises, can also play their part.

“Social media is fast becoming the new eyes and ears of the countryside and keeping in close touch with neighbours and police through local Farmwatch schemes can play a significant role in identifying suspicious activity and bringing thieves to justice.”

The steepest rises regionally in the cost of theft claims were in Wales, the Midlands and South East England. According to the Mutual, only one region, the north East of England recorded a significant fall in the cost of theft claims.

In Scotland NFU Mutual provides financial support for the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime. It also provides support and expert advice to many local farm and rural watch schemes.