The cost of rural crime in Scotland has increased by nearly 35% as criminals become more organised and “sophisticated”, according to NFU Mutual.
Rural crime cost Scotland £1.4 million in 2022 and this figure has rose to £1.8 million last year, an increase of 34.9%.
Published today (Thursday, August 1), NFU Mutual’s new report reveals that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £52.8 million in 2023, up from £50.6 million the previous year.
The rural insurer has said all indications suggest rural crime is becoming more organised, sophisticated and determined in its nature.
Rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, Hannah Binns, said this 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,” she said.
“Intelligence highlights these criminals often target several farms in one night before moving locations, then return weeks later looking to steal any replacements.”
Rural crime in the UK
Figures fluctuated across the UK, with cost rises in Scotland and Wales (up 6.7% to an estimated £2.4 million) while Northern Ireland saw a decrease (down 21.3% to an estimated £2 million).
A survey of NFU Mutual agents found 91% believed thieves were more organised, with 82% saying they knew farmers who had been impacted by rural crime in their area.
86% of NFU Mutual agents said rural crime was negatively impacting farmers’ mental wellbeing and 77% knew farmers who had been repeat victims.
Rural theft costs by area 2022-2023 Area Cost in 2022 Cost in 2023 % change from 2022 East £6.6m £7.1m +8.4% Midlands £12.5m £11.7m -6.7% North East £8m £8.6m +7.3% North West £3.2m £3.2m +1.4% Northern Ireland £2.5m £2m -21.3% Scotland £1.4m £1.8m +34.9% South East £9.3m £8.9m -3.8% South West £5m £7m +41.9% Wales £2.3m £2.4m +6.7% Total £50.6m £52.8m +4.3%
“Being from a family farm, I know first-hand that the impact of rural crime goes well beyond the practicalities of farming,” Binns said.
“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.”
Binns said it is 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.”
