Theft has daily devastating consequences for the entire rural community, including farmers, livestock owners and agricultural businesses. NFU Mutual’s theft claim figures reveal that rural crime cost the UK £54.3 million in 2019. This is an increase of nearly 9 percent on the previous year, making it the highest cost recorded in eight years.
For the second year running, the sharp rise was driven by thefts of high-value tractors (£9.3m) and quad bikes and other farm vehicles (£3.1m). Livestock theft also increased to £3m last year, with organised gangs taking large numbers of stock stolen for slaughter.
