The NFU has called for action after the cost of rural crime in the UK rose to an estimated £52.8m, an increase of 4.3% from 2022 according to new figures from NFU Mutual.
A key target for criminal gangs is GPS units, thefts of these rose by a staggering 137% to an estimated £4.2m.
Intelligence shows thieves frequently target several farms in one night before moving locations to steal these highly valuable and portable kits, often revisiting farmyards weeks later to steal any replacements. Increases were also seen in quad bike, ATV and livestock thefts.
In response, NFU vice president Rachel Hallos said: “As NFU Mutual’s report highlights, rural crime has continued to plague the British countryside over the past year. Criminals steal expensive GPS equipment, livestock and high-value farm machinery, while also trespassing on private land and regularly fly-tipping tons of rubbish.
“Not only does rural crime significantly cost the UK on a national level, but it also has a significant impact personally to those farm businesses and farming families financially and emotionally affected, leaving many rural communities feeling vulnerable and intimidated.
“The new government has been clear that food security is national security, and we want to see policy that now recognises that. Given the unprecedented rise in GPS theft, the NFU is looking forward to the new government delivering its rural crime strategy that was announced in April, starting by extending the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act to cover GPS theft from farm vehicles.
“The alarming trends in livestock theft and worrying also need urgent attention. The NFU welcomed the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill which aimed to give police greater powers to seize and detain dogs. The Bill received cross party support and was due to be debated in the House of Lords when Parliament was dissolved prior to the election. It is crucial similar measures are introduced to stop this needless suffering to livestock. The NFU was pleased to see a new Crime and Policing Bill introduced in the King’s Speech, and we look forward to seeing the details of this Bill when published.
“Rural crime is very different from urban crime with the scale, cost and social impact underestimated, under-reported and not fully understood. Collaboration is key to tackling rural crime effectively, and the National Rural Crime Unit is a great example of farmers, policymakers, and the Police and Crime Commissioners working together at both national and local levels to protect UK farming businesses from criminal gangs.”
