Warning for people in Rutland and Stamford as rural crime jumps 22%
Rural crimes cost communities in England and Wales £50 million last year
People in Rutland and Stamford and being warned to get protected after rural crimes across England and Wales jumped 22% last year.
NFU Mutual's latest rural crime report found it cost £49.5 million.
It uses statistics and surveys from experts including police, farming unions and charities to provide a detailed picture of rural crime’s financial and social impact.
The report found world events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, have opened up illicit markets and farmers have increasingly found themselves targeted by both organised and opportunist criminals.
This is having a dire effect on farmers’ wellbeing, many of whom are already facing significant challenges.
Lydia Patsalides, regional manager for Crimestoppers in the East Midlands, told us: "Things like theft from farms, large areas, where they can find a weakness in security.
"They will try to exploit that.
"If you're living in the same place as you're working, and that's under threat, you're going to have a sense of vulnerability.
NFU Mutual recommend checking your building and land for weak spots and installing CCTV.
Find out more on how to protect yourself from rural crime here.