A new training course aimed at helping farmers handle and prevent rural crime has been developed by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) and the Police Crime Prevention Academy.
The course, ‘Helping Farmers to Prevent Crime’, was developed after rural crime statistics from the National Farmers’ Union rural insurance branch (NFU Mutual) were shown to cost the UK an estimated £40.5 million.
The course was inspired by an initiative started by Cumbria YFCs with their local Neighbourhood Watch, and will be available to deliver nationally from April 24, 2023, to all 577 YFCs across England and Wales.
The NFYFC said farmers are often targeted by criminals due to their remote locations with easy access to high-value equipment.
The new course aims to:
- Help members understand the impact of rural crime, financially and emotionally;
- Raise awareness of the practical ways young farmers can help to identify vulnerabilities on their own and local farms;
- Enable participants to take actions on their own farms to prevent themselves from becoming victims of crime;
- Signpost YFCs to the resources and support available.
YFCs are also encouraged to invite local police neighbourhood officers to attend the session and/or the local NFU Mutual representative.
Cumbria county chair Will Longmire said young farmers can safeguard their future livelihoods by being aware of simple steps to help prevent crime and by making practical suggestions to the farms of neighbours and friends.
“It also means YFCs can contribute to the overall safety of their neighbours and local communities,” he said.
Bob Henderson, the national technical engineering manager at NFU Mutual, said: “It was great to see Cumbria’s young farmers successfully help fellow farmers protect their farmyards, livestock and machinery from thieves in the pilot, highlighting the importance of working collaboratively with police and the rural community to make it difficult for thieves to operate in the countryside.
