Big increase in rural crime across the East of England
Essex and Suffolk are among the worst affected in the country
Last updated 2nd Aug 2022
Essex and Suffolk are among the worst affected counties in the country for insurance pay outs involving rural crime.
That's according to NFU Mutual which says it's seen a 40% increase in rural crime across the UK in the first quarter of 2022.
In the East the number of claims actually dropped by 22% from 2020 to last year - but pay outs still totalled over £5m.
Despite that positive trend the insurer says there are already signs in the first part of this year that rural crime is on the rise again.
NFU Mutual, says Suffolk is in the top 5 worst-affected county in the UK, with theft costing farmers in the county more than £1.1million in 2021.
In Essex it cost farmers over £1.6m - that's the second worst county in the country.
Mike Alder, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for the East of England, said: “Our latest claims figures warn that rural theft is quickly gathering momentum as criminals make up for time lost over the past two pandemic years.
"We would urge rural people to take urgent steps to protect their properties, otherwise the countryside could face heavy losses and disruption.
“With prices of essential farm equipment such as tractors and quads rising fast and the cost of diesel soaring over the past year, there’s little doubt that criminals will be trying to steal from farms.
"We also know that essentials of rural living like heating oil tanks will only become more attractive to thieves as costs rise.
"A recent poll by NFU Mutual reveals that 89% of respondents believe inflation will lead to an increase in rural crime.
“Crime in the countryside causes high levels of anxiety and disruption, with many farmers and rural homeowners feeling vulnerable due to their isolated location.
"The knowledge that determined thieves are scouring the countryside looking for targets and returning to carry out night-time raids can lead to sleepless nights for people in remote areas.
“NFU Mutual is responding by helping those living and working in rural areas to put in place effective security measures and by continuing to provide major support to enable dedicated police resources to tackle crime.”