Rising threats such as equipment theft, livestock worrying and fly-tipping, among others, continue to disrupt farming life, leaving a lasting emotional toll on those who work tirelessly to produce food and care for the countryside.
There has been encouraging progress in rural crime prevention efforts by a number of PCCs (Police and Crime Commissioners), such as Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber, and Cheshire PCC Dan Price.
Bedfordshire Police has also seen impressive results from prioritising tackling rural crime through local initiatives such as rural crime task forces, anti-fly-tipping and hare coursing measures in the force’s respective counties.
This commitment serves as a model for how targeted efforts can help make significant differences, but nationally there remains much to do.
“Collaboration is key to tackling these crimes effectively,” said NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos, adding that the progress made by PCCs demonstrates the “positive impact that can be achieved”.
“While crime is a concern wherever it occurs, rural crime presents unique challenges. The scale, cost, social impact and other effects of crime in rural areas are underestimated, under-reported and not fully understood.
“Farmers are not only bearing the financial cost of theft but also the emotional strain of knowing their family businesses are being targeted, which cannot be overlooked.”
GPS theft on the rise
In April this year, the government announced its rural crime strategy to stamp out crime and disorder, something which the NFU has long been calling for.
The strategy includes tougher measures to crack down on criminal activities such as equipment theft, sheep worrying and fly-tipping.
A key focus for the NFU is the implementation of the secondary legislation available under the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act.
While the Act currently covers ATVs and quad bikes, there is a pressing need to extend the measures to include GPS units, which have increasingly become frequent targets for theft.
GPS unit thefts alone rose by a staggering 137% to an estimated £4.2m according to NFU Mutual's 2023 rural crime report.
“Farmers are not only bearing the financial cost of theft but also the emotional strain of knowing their family businesses are being targeted, which cannot be overlooked.”
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos
Introducing a mandatory register for ATVs and other high-value equipment, alongside defined standards for immobilisers, forensic marking and tracking technologies to support stolen machinery recovery, would be crucial steps toward deterring organised crime gangs targeting farming businesses.
Lasting emotional strain
The increasing trends in livestock theft and worrying also require attention. The government has said it is looking looking into the most effective ways to deliver its commitments in tackling these issues, and we look forward to supporting on the delivery of these commitments to better protect livestock and prevent further harm.
“This National Rural Crime Action Week provides an opportunity for the government to build on that momentum,” continued Rachel. “And deliver on their promises of a rural crime strategy and send a strong message to those targeting our communities.”
Rural crime is more than a financial burden – it leaves a lasting emotional strain on the farming families affected.
The government must ensure the right legislation and resources are in place to safeguard our rural communities.
