Rural crime

A man from Hereford who stole £87,640 worth of sheep has been sentenced to eight months in prison.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic seeing a 20.3 per cent fall in rural crime costs totalling £43.3 million in 2020, the lowest annual level in five years, thieves returned to UK farmyards with new tactics and targets.

Two quad bikes were stolen by ’opportunist’ thieves from exhibitors’ stands at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Ministers are intending to amend Game Acts dating back to the 19th century to clamp down on hare coursing, the Countryside Alliance has said.

The Welsh Government recently appointed the UKs first ever wildlife and rural crime co-ordinator. But what are his farming priorities? Abi Kay spoke to him to find out.

The Welsh Government recently appointed the UK’s first ever wildlife and rural crime co-ordinator. But what are his farming priorities? Abi Kay spoke to him to find out.

A recent spate of crimes relating to the theft of livestock has promoted calls for farmers and rural communities to remain vigilant. 

The cost of dog attacks on livestock has risen by approximately 51.3 per cent during the first quarter of 2021, claims data from NFU Mutual has revealed.

An Environment Agency survey has found farmers are most affected by large-scale fly-tipping, with 15 per cent of landowners forced to make an insurance claim to clear dumped waste.

Sandwell Park farm has tightened its security following the recent theft of ewes, lambs and a calf from the site and a spate of illegal butchering activity in the area.