Menu
01/08/2023
Rural Crime Cost NI £2.5m In 2022
Rural crime cost Northern Ireland £2.5m in 2022, an increase of 51% on the year before, according to the latest Rural Crime Report from NFU Mutual.
The figure follows the UK trend as 2022 rural crime costs across the UK shot up 22% to an estimated £49.5m, up from £40.5m the previous year.
The rise comes against a background of soaring values and low supply of farm machinery worldwide. Criminal gangs have responded by establishing illicit global markets for farm machinery and technology equipment, according to leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.
As a result, the UK cost of agricultural vehicle theft reported to NFU Mutual soared by 29% to £11.7m in 2022.
A survey of NFU Mutual Agents who are based in rural communities across the UK found 70% knew farmers who had been repeat victims of rural crime. And 86% said thieves are cashing in on the limited supply of vehicles and rising prices.
The UK cost of GPS theft increased by 15% to £1.8m in 2022. However, the problem has sharply escalated in the first four months of 2023, with the cost of GPS theft doubling to over £500,000 compared to the same period last year.
The sophisticated equipment, typically costing over £10,000, is used to guide tractors and combine harvesters. Without it, farmers face severe delays and disruption to harvesting and cultivating work, with long waits for replacement kit.
Quad bikes and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs) were also top targets for rural thieves. In 2022, quad and ATV theft reported to NFU Mutual cost £3m, a 34% rise on the previous year. These vital vehicles enable farmers to complete work efficiently out in the fields. Continuing supply chain issues are sending prices of second-hand machines higher, making the vehicles an attractive target for thieves.
The UK cost of livestock theft rose 8.7% in 2022, totalling an estimated £2.7m. Claims reported to NFU Mutual regularly involve over 50 sheep being taken in a single raid, which has a devastating impact on breeding lines as well as causing huge worry for farmers about the welfare of the stolen animals.
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, diesel and heating oil thefts plagued farms and rural homes, leaving some families without heat at the coldest time of year. Fuel theft doubled last year as both organised and opportunist thieves targeted the liquid gold sitting in fuel tanks across the countryside.
While Scotland saw a decrease, Northern Ireland, England and Wales saw a rise in the cost of rural crime as thieves returned to the countryside and ramped up their activity after the pandemic years.
Martin Malone NFU Mutual Manager for Northern Ireland said: "Highly-organised gangs are causing disruption to farming and widespread concern to people who live and work in the countryside.
"Rural theft is changing. It is not only opportunist thieves travelling a few miles, we are now seeing internationally organised criminal activity. These gangs target high-value farm machinery and GPS kits because they can be sold all over the world.
"Many items are stolen 'to order' by thieves using online technology to identify where farm machinery is stored and scope out the best way to steal it. They will also spend hours watching the movement of farming families to work out the best time to attack.
"Loss of vital machinery and GPS equipment causes huge disruption to farmers who are already stretched to the limit and replacing kit in the current economic situation can take months, adding additional stress.
"Those targeted by criminals may often second guess themselves in the aftermath of an incident as well as live in fear of repeat attacks on what is not only their workplace, but also their family home.
"That's why we are working with farmers to help protect their livelihoods, sharing our advice and expertise as the main insurer of farmers and providing support to tackle rural crime."
Ulster Farmers' Union deputy president William Irvine said: "While it does not come as a surprise, it is very disappointing to learn that the cost of rural crime has increased in Northern Ireland (NI).
"What is particularly concerning is the stark increase of 51% in the cost of crime in NI compared to the rest of the UK which has seen a 22% increase. At the root of the crimes that did occur are farming families who have suffered financially and emotionally because of a criminal intrusion on their farm.
"The cost-of-living crisis and the delay in replacing equipment is making it even harder for farm families to recover from these theft incidents. Unfortunately, earlier in the summer, NI was a victim of a new type of rural crime as numerous farm businesses fell victim to GPS thefts.
"Criminals are active in our community and we as farmers need to be vigilant and take the security of our businesses and homes seriously to deter criminals. I urge farmers to record details of all farm machinery, take photographs and consider investing in tracking systems. Rural crime initiatives such as trailer marking and the freeze branding of livestock are also there for farmers to avail of."
PSNI Chief Inspector Atkinson added: "Crime in our rural areas can have devastating consequences and the Police Service of Northern Ireland recognise how concerning rural crime is and the significant effect this type of organised crime can have on many farming businesses, rural communities and individuals directly affected. We know rural crime isn't always just financial, but in most cases, items stolen are of considerable value and are often an essential piece of farming equipment.
"Following the release of NFU Mutual's 2022 figures, it is very disappointing to see a significant increase in rural crime, however, our officers will continue to build upon the work we have already been doing to strengthen our response to rural crime to help towards decreasing this figure.
"We want to work with local farmers to prevent their equipment from being stolen and want to remind them to keep all farming equipment out of sight and stored in a secure shed, applying approved locks and chains where possible, to ensure they are secure.
"Across the province, we regularly host trailer marking and information events in rural districts at local marts and through partnering with rural groups. Trailer marking involves painting or engraving a unique ID mark on trailers in an easily visible area using stencils. Details for these events can be obtained through local stations and we encourage attendance from all.
"Please also consider fitting a tracked device on your farming vehicles and mark all of your tools. We would urge the public that if you notice something which does not look right, or become aware of machinery or equipment being moved at odd times, to phone police on the 101 number as soon as possible and speak to your neighbourhood team.
"Where criminal activity has taken place, police will investigate all reports made to us and take appropriate action where there is evidence to do so, working closely with other enforcement partners.
"We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Rural Crime Partnership to address issues of concern in a bid to prevent crime in rural communities. Representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Ulster Farmers' Union, NFU Mutual, Department of Justice, Police and Community Safety Partnership, Federation of Small Businesses and Young Farmers Union work collaboratively so we can share important information, raise awareness and respond to emerging crime trends in a timely manner to support and keep our rural communities safe."
The figure follows the UK trend as 2022 rural crime costs across the UK shot up 22% to an estimated £49.5m, up from £40.5m the previous year.
The rise comes against a background of soaring values and low supply of farm machinery worldwide. Criminal gangs have responded by establishing illicit global markets for farm machinery and technology equipment, according to leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.
As a result, the UK cost of agricultural vehicle theft reported to NFU Mutual soared by 29% to £11.7m in 2022.
A survey of NFU Mutual Agents who are based in rural communities across the UK found 70% knew farmers who had been repeat victims of rural crime. And 86% said thieves are cashing in on the limited supply of vehicles and rising prices.
The UK cost of GPS theft increased by 15% to £1.8m in 2022. However, the problem has sharply escalated in the first four months of 2023, with the cost of GPS theft doubling to over £500,000 compared to the same period last year.
The sophisticated equipment, typically costing over £10,000, is used to guide tractors and combine harvesters. Without it, farmers face severe delays and disruption to harvesting and cultivating work, with long waits for replacement kit.
Quad bikes and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs) were also top targets for rural thieves. In 2022, quad and ATV theft reported to NFU Mutual cost £3m, a 34% rise on the previous year. These vital vehicles enable farmers to complete work efficiently out in the fields. Continuing supply chain issues are sending prices of second-hand machines higher, making the vehicles an attractive target for thieves.
The UK cost of livestock theft rose 8.7% in 2022, totalling an estimated £2.7m. Claims reported to NFU Mutual regularly involve over 50 sheep being taken in a single raid, which has a devastating impact on breeding lines as well as causing huge worry for farmers about the welfare of the stolen animals.
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, diesel and heating oil thefts plagued farms and rural homes, leaving some families without heat at the coldest time of year. Fuel theft doubled last year as both organised and opportunist thieves targeted the liquid gold sitting in fuel tanks across the countryside.
While Scotland saw a decrease, Northern Ireland, England and Wales saw a rise in the cost of rural crime as thieves returned to the countryside and ramped up their activity after the pandemic years.
Martin Malone NFU Mutual Manager for Northern Ireland said: "Highly-organised gangs are causing disruption to farming and widespread concern to people who live and work in the countryside.
"Rural theft is changing. It is not only opportunist thieves travelling a few miles, we are now seeing internationally organised criminal activity. These gangs target high-value farm machinery and GPS kits because they can be sold all over the world.
"Many items are stolen 'to order' by thieves using online technology to identify where farm machinery is stored and scope out the best way to steal it. They will also spend hours watching the movement of farming families to work out the best time to attack.
"Loss of vital machinery and GPS equipment causes huge disruption to farmers who are already stretched to the limit and replacing kit in the current economic situation can take months, adding additional stress.
"Those targeted by criminals may often second guess themselves in the aftermath of an incident as well as live in fear of repeat attacks on what is not only their workplace, but also their family home.
"That's why we are working with farmers to help protect their livelihoods, sharing our advice and expertise as the main insurer of farmers and providing support to tackle rural crime."
Ulster Farmers' Union deputy president William Irvine said: "While it does not come as a surprise, it is very disappointing to learn that the cost of rural crime has increased in Northern Ireland (NI).
"What is particularly concerning is the stark increase of 51% in the cost of crime in NI compared to the rest of the UK which has seen a 22% increase. At the root of the crimes that did occur are farming families who have suffered financially and emotionally because of a criminal intrusion on their farm.
"The cost-of-living crisis and the delay in replacing equipment is making it even harder for farm families to recover from these theft incidents. Unfortunately, earlier in the summer, NI was a victim of a new type of rural crime as numerous farm businesses fell victim to GPS thefts.
"Criminals are active in our community and we as farmers need to be vigilant and take the security of our businesses and homes seriously to deter criminals. I urge farmers to record details of all farm machinery, take photographs and consider investing in tracking systems. Rural crime initiatives such as trailer marking and the freeze branding of livestock are also there for farmers to avail of."
PSNI Chief Inspector Atkinson added: "Crime in our rural areas can have devastating consequences and the Police Service of Northern Ireland recognise how concerning rural crime is and the significant effect this type of organised crime can have on many farming businesses, rural communities and individuals directly affected. We know rural crime isn't always just financial, but in most cases, items stolen are of considerable value and are often an essential piece of farming equipment.
"Following the release of NFU Mutual's 2022 figures, it is very disappointing to see a significant increase in rural crime, however, our officers will continue to build upon the work we have already been doing to strengthen our response to rural crime to help towards decreasing this figure.
"We want to work with local farmers to prevent their equipment from being stolen and want to remind them to keep all farming equipment out of sight and stored in a secure shed, applying approved locks and chains where possible, to ensure they are secure.
"Across the province, we regularly host trailer marking and information events in rural districts at local marts and through partnering with rural groups. Trailer marking involves painting or engraving a unique ID mark on trailers in an easily visible area using stencils. Details for these events can be obtained through local stations and we encourage attendance from all.
"Please also consider fitting a tracked device on your farming vehicles and mark all of your tools. We would urge the public that if you notice something which does not look right, or become aware of machinery or equipment being moved at odd times, to phone police on the 101 number as soon as possible and speak to your neighbourhood team.
"Where criminal activity has taken place, police will investigate all reports made to us and take appropriate action where there is evidence to do so, working closely with other enforcement partners.
"We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Rural Crime Partnership to address issues of concern in a bid to prevent crime in rural communities. Representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Ulster Farmers' Union, NFU Mutual, Department of Justice, Police and Community Safety Partnership, Federation of Small Businesses and Young Farmers Union work collaboratively so we can share important information, raise awareness and respond to emerging crime trends in a timely manner to support and keep our rural communities safe."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 September 2024
New Rural Crime Awareness Campaign Launched
A new digital awareness campaign to support rural communities across Northern Ireland has been launched by the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership group to mark Rural Crime Week NI 2024 – Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September.
New Rural Crime Awareness Campaign Launched
A new digital awareness campaign to support rural communities across Northern Ireland has been launched by the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership group to mark Rural Crime Week NI 2024 – Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September.
06 April 2011
DARD Flies In With Farm Payments
NI farmers are really getting on the map with news that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is again to use aerial photography to assess eligibility for EC Single Farm Payments.
DARD Flies In With Farm Payments
NI farmers are really getting on the map with news that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is again to use aerial photography to assess eligibility for EC Single Farm Payments.
11 October 2024
New Pilot Scheme Focuses On Farm Succession Planning
Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced the launch of a new pilot scheme aimed at helping farm families with succession planning. The Farming for the Generations pilot scheme is part of the DAERA's transformational Farm Support and Development Programme.
New Pilot Scheme Focuses On Farm Succession Planning
Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced the launch of a new pilot scheme aimed at helping farm families with succession planning. The Farming for the Generations pilot scheme is part of the DAERA's transformational Farm Support and Development Programme.
12 April 2017
Campaign To Tackle Rural Crime Launched
A new campaign to tackle agricultural and rural crime in Northern Ireland has beenand aims to reduce crime in rural communities.
Campaign To Tackle Rural Crime Launched
A new campaign to tackle agricultural and rural crime in Northern Ireland has beenand aims to reduce crime in rural communities.
21 October 2011
Concerns Over Fresh EC Fine On DARD
The DUP MEP Diane Dodds has slammed this week's announcement by the European Commission that Northern Ireland will face a fine of £4m for inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure.
Concerns Over Fresh EC Fine On DARD
The DUP MEP Diane Dodds has slammed this week's announcement by the European Commission that Northern Ireland will face a fine of £4m for inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
