Livestock thefts rise sharply across the South West during pandemic
The cost of animals stolen cost farmers £320,000 last year
New figures show livestock across the South West has risen sharply during the pandemic.
Data from leading rural insurer NFU Mutual reveal that farm animals worth an estimated £320,000 were stolen from across the region last year.
Although many areas across the UK have seen a decrease in livestock rustling, the cost of it has risen by a third across the South West.
Rebecca Davidson, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual said:
"The South West is a very big livestock area and what's happening is that prolific thieves will work on the same patch and across neighbouring counties.
"A more promising sign is that there's been a slight decrease in Gloucestershire but across the border in Somerset there has unfortunately been a sharp rise which is in line with the regional data".
Farmers are significantly impacted by livestock rustling with it thought to be even worse as they navigate through the pandemic ensuring food is still produced.
Rebecca added:
"The impact on farmers in threefold: there's the business interruption, there's the worries about the welfare of the animals when they're stolen too and then there's also the financial impact as well.
"The cost of livestock rustling cost £320,000 last year in the South West and this will have a particular impact on smaller farmers who may struggle to bounce back from it".
There are now concerns that livestock theft will increase further once lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Rebecca continued:
"We are worried there'll be a resurgence once restrictions are lifted.
"It's been a lot easier for thieves to be spotted while the roads are quieter in lockdown, especially with the larger vehicles needed to transport the animals.
"This is why we're working with farmers to ensure they're up to date with the ways in which they can keep their livestock safe.
"The role the public can take is also important and we really encourage people in rural communities to always report anything suspicious".