Cost of rural crime revealed in Wiltshire and Hampshire
Insurer NFU Mutual has shared figures for 2023
The cost of rural crime in Wiltshire and Hampshire totalled more than £2.5 million last year, according to new figures from NFU Mutual.
That's a rise of 12% across Wiltshire and 4% in Hampshire throughout 2023, as the insurer says thieves have become 'more organised and determined'.
Global Positioning System (GPS) units were targeted by gangs operating across the UK, causing the value of claims to NFU Mutual to rocket by 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.
The high-tech equipment, typically costing over £10,000 a unit, is used to guide tractors and combine harvesters to improve accuracy.
Without it, farmers and agricultural contractors can face severe delays and disruption to harvesting and cultivating work.
Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were also top targets for rural thieves, with thefts up 9%.
But total claims for agricultural vehicles thefts reported to NFU Mutual fell 9%.
Livestock theft remained high in 2023, at an estimated cost of £2.7m across the UK.
Farm animals worth an estimated £2.4m were also severely injured or killed in dog attacks - up nearly 30% compared to the previous year.
Colin Campbell, NFU Mutual Regional Manager, said:
“Although we’ve seen a fall in the cost of rural crime in the South East of England, all the indications suggest rural crime is becoming more organised, sophisticated and determined in its nature, which is incredibly alarming for people who live and work in the countryside.
“While the overall cost of agricultural vehicle theft fell, thanks to co-ordinated efforts, it is concerning to see the value of GPS and ATV thefts continue to rise, with thieves turning to technology to scope out locations.
“Intelligence highlights these criminals often target several farms in one night before moving locations, then return weeks later looking to steal any replacements.
“As the UK’s leading rural insurer, we know the impact of rural crime goes well beyond the practicalities of farming. It’s the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home. It’s also living in fear of repeat attacks, knowing that thieves are always looking for new ways to target rural communities.
“That is why it’s so important for insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police and politicians to continue to work together to provide a united response to the challenge presented by both organised criminals and opportunistic thieves.
“We will also continue to support farmers directly to help protect their livelihoods, offer expertise as the main insurer of farmers and provide advice to tackle rural crime.”