Cost of rural theft revealed to be over £5 million in a year across Cornwall and south-west
A report by NFU Mutual says criminals are becoming more sophisticated and using e-sccoters to sneak onto farms
Last updated 3rd Aug 2021
It has been revealed that rural theft cost Cornwall and the south-west £5.1 million in the first year of the pandemic.
The figures for 2020 are based on insurance claims and have been highlighted in NFU Mutual's Rural Crime Report.
The total is down from £6.6 million in 2021, however the insurer warned that criminals are now more 'sophisticated and connected' than ever before.
It says some are even using methods like e-scooters to sneak onto farms and steal equipment.
Kay Henderson from NFU Mutual said: "It's still really plaguing the countryside, particularly stealing more lighter, portable items like GPS systems because with quieter roads, the bigger thefts like tractor thefts have been much harder. So that's, particularly, a changing tactic that we've been seeing.
"We've seen more international linked crime as well. We recover vehicles from as far afield as Poland and Lithuania so it's really far-flung, more sophisticated and more organised by the year".
Kay added that the cost is not the only impact: "We've got farmers unable to carry out their work because an essential piece of kit's been stolen so that's days out of their working lives. And then families that feel unsafe in their own homes because they're used to this idea of being scoped-out and watched by criminals".
In a recent survey, over 66% of those who responded told NFU Mutual they did not believe the pandemic had made it harder for rural thieves.
How can I protect my home and business against rural theft?
NFU Mutual has the following 'Rural Security Checklist':
Physical:
o Keep farm vehicles out of sight. Lock them up and remove the keys
o Block or fill in access points that aren't regularly used
o Cut down overgrown planting that could be used by thieves carrying out surveillance
o Store tools in security cages or anchor down your quad
o Remove GPS systems wherever possible, and mark your kit with forensic or indelible ink
o Fit window locks, and lock entrance doors even when you're home
Community:
o Join your local Rural and Farm Watch schemes
o Use closed WhatsApp groups to share information about local criminal activity
o Keep in contact with your neighbours and get to know your local rural crime team
o Report all crimes and suspicious sightings to police
o Use the Crimestoppers number to report rural crimes anonymously
Technology:
o Use 'Driveway' detectors on access routes to your property
o Consult with a Police specialist about the most appropriate CCTV system
o Fit tracking devices and immobilisers to quads and tractors
o Use floodlights and movement detection alarms on farm buildings
o Use CESAR vehicle marking to deter thieves and aid recoveries
o Fit a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks
You can find more security advice and read NFU Mutual's full report here.