NFU Mutual has enabled the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) to recruit Martin Beck, who has 30 years of policing experience, as its first UK-wide livestock theft prevention officer.
Beck’s new role will involve gathering livestock theft-related intelligence across the UK, through a new initiative code named Operation Foldyard.
This will gather and share information on new theft trends and work with local police forces to build cases and help secure convictions.
Beck’s appointment comes as the toll from livestock theft reached an estimated £2.7 million in 2022, according to the latest figures from NFU Mutual.
Mr. Beck said:
“The NRCU is introducing Operation Foldyard, which will share intelligence between police forces and partners, including in the farming industry.
“As the intelligence picture grows, I expect to see individuals involved in livestock theft, targeted and disrupted.”
Beck added that for many police officers, livestock theft is outside their crime-fighting experience, so part of his new role is working with police to help them understand the crime.
Large thefts can be devastating for the farmer’s business, however, even finding one of their flock “butchered” in their fields can be extremely distressing, according to Mr. Beck.
NFU Mutual Livestock Security Guide:
- Ensure stock is clearly marked and records are up to date;
- When possible, graze livestock in fields away from roads or consider housing them inside;
- Check stock regularly – and vary times of feeding/check ups;
- Consider a high-tech marking system
- Join a Farm or Rural Watch scheme to share information about rural crime in your area;
- Ask neighbours to report any suspicious sightings to the police.
NFU Mutual’s lead on livestock claims, Matthew Screech said that as the “main insurer” of the UK’s farmers, the NFU mutual supports a range of initiatives set up to “tackle” the increase in rural crime.
The insurance company urged the public to report any information about livestock theft to Crimestoppers or dial 999 if any incident is taking place.
