Rural insurer NFU Mutual has funded the appointment of a new officer to the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) to fight livestock theft.
Martin Beck will join the NRCU to gather livestock-related intelligence across the UK, spot and share trends and work with local police forces to build cases.
He will also help build prosecutions and secure convictions against criminals, NFU Mutual said.
The appointment comes as livestock theft cost an estimated £2.7 million in 2022, according to the latest figures from NFU Mutual.
NFU Mutual’s lead on livestock theft, Matthew Screech, said: “Livestock theft is one of the costliest crimes to farming, with claims often involving over 50 sheep taken in a single raid.
“These thefts can have a devastating impact on farming businesses, as well as causing huge worry to farmers about the welfare of the stolen stock.
“We are proud to be the sole funder of the new livestock theft officer role at the National Rural Crime Unit and look forward to working with them closely to identify criminal activity and ensure dedicated police resources are targeted in areas needed most to protect farmers and their livestock.”
Head of the NRCU, Andrew Huddleston, said: “The impact of livestock theft must not be underestimated, it is a crime that is more than just the stealing of a commodity.
“These animals are the livelihood of many farmers and often the result of several generations of dedicated animal husbandry.
“I am delighted that NFU Mutual has committed to a three-year package to help us support police forces investigate livestock theft across the UK.
“Martin Beck, who has an outstanding history in this specialist field of work, will join the National Rural Crime Unit in February and I would encourage anyone with information about livestock thefts to contact our team.”
