Farmers 'living in fear' as rural crime bill reaches more than £50 million

NFU Mutual has released its annual crime report which found incidents had cost farm businesses £52.8m

Chris Brayford
clock • 5 min read
"It is the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home. It is also living in fear of repeat attacks, knowing that thieves are always looking for new ways to target rural communities."
Image:

"It is the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home. It is also living in fear of repeat attacks, knowing that thieves are always looking for new ways to target rural communities."

The cost of rural crime has increased year-on-year with farmers 'unnerved' that their homes and businesses have been targeted by 'highly organised' criminals. NFU Mutual's annual 'Rural Crime Report...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Rural crime

Farmer fined for 'extensive breaches' of cattle movement and bTB testing rules
Rural crime

Farmer fined for 'extensive breaches' of cattle movement and bTB testing rules

Leicestershire County Council said 'injury, administrative delays and paperwork difficulties' were some of the reasons provided by the farmer for failing to comply with the law

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 10 February 2026 • 3 min read
Urgent action demanded on fly-tipping as farmers face thousands in clean-up bills
Rural crime

Urgent action demanded on fly-tipping as farmers face thousands in clean-up bills

NFU and House of Lords join call for change as organised crime gangs target countryside

Jane Thynne
clock 02 February 2026 • 2 min read
Farming Matters: Baroness Shas Sheehan – "There is a culture of low risk and high rewards for waste crime – the new narcotics"
Rural crime

Farming Matters: Baroness Shas Sheehan – "There is a culture of low risk and high rewards for waste crime – the new narcotics"

This week's opinion from throughout the world of agriculture: Baroness Shas Sheehan, Chair of the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee

Baroness Shas Sheenan
clock 31 January 2026 • 3 min read