NFU Mutual report reveals cost of rural crime increase in Somerset

Published on Thursday 1 August, NFU Mutual’s latest report has revealed that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £52.8m in 2023, an increase from £50.6m the previous year.

In a report highlighting the increasingly organised and sophisticated nature of rural crime, Global Positioning System (GPS) units were found to have been targeted by gangs operating across the UK.

The value of claims for GPS theft made to NFU Mutual therefore rose dramatically by 137% to an estimated £4.2m.

The high-tech equipment, typically costing over £10,000 a unit, is used to guide tractors and combine harvesters to improve accuracy and without it farmers and agricultural contractors can face severe disruption to harvesting and cultivating work.

Among the other top targets for rural thieves were quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), with thefts up by 9% to an estimated £3.2m in claim costs reported to NFU Mutual last year.

Livestock theft also remained high in 2023, at a cost of £2.7m across the UK, while farm animals worth an estimated £2.4m were severely injured or killed in dog attacks, up by nearly 30% compared to the previous year.

To help rural communities protect their livelihoods from the threat posed by organised crime, NFU has provided over £1m since 2021 in support for initiatives like the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU).

Formally established last April, the unit is staffed by police officers with experience in detecting and preventing rural crime, with investigative powers to track and intercept stolen machinery and equipment.

Despite the overall rise in rural crime, there were some positive signs that NFU Mutual’s funding and the work of the NRCU had been working, for example with a reduction in the number of agricultural vehicle claims reported to NFU Mutual.

Andrew Smith, Senior Agent at NFU Mutual Stratton-on-The-Fosse, said: “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 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.”

The rise of costs in Somerset was not reflective of other regions of the UK, with figures fluctuating like in Northern Ireland which saw a decrease in rural crime costs. (down 21.3% to an estimated £2m).

However the human costs are undeniable and a concerning survey found that 86% of NFU Mutual Agents said rural crime was negatively impacting farmers’ mental wellbeing and 77% knew farmers who had been repeat victims.

Andrew added: “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 have been working closely with the Rural Crime Team from Avon & Somerset Police, providing support with batteries for their drone, helping with vehicle security marking events at Frome Livestock Market and the use of social media groups to help farmers post suspicious vehicles or activity in their local area to make others aware.”

“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.”