NFU IS THE UK’S LEADING RURAL INSURER, LOOKING AFTER OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES.

Every year rural crime costs millions of pounds and causes untold anxiety across the UK, which is why NFU Mutual analyses its claims data annually to assess the state of crime in the countryside.

Identifying trends in rural thefts from our claims data, and what cost that has on the UK economy, gives us a unique insight into rural crime across the country and over the long-term.

Last year (2016) rural crime cost the UK £39.2million. Although that’s down a little (4.3%) on the 2015 cost, initial figures for the first half of 2017 suggest the downward trend isn’t going to last.

Earlier this year The NFU launched its Combatting Rural Crime report with a reception at the House of Lords attended by MPs and peers including the new policing minister Nick Hurd MP with Chief Constable Dave Jones of North Yorkshire Police and NFU Deputy President Minette Batters

The bill for rural crime is now more than £42.5 million and farmers and their families in some parts of the country have been victims of arson, vandalism and burglary with many NFU members experiencing fear, intimidation and threats of violence. Vehicle theft, hare coursing and fly-tipping are also contributing to widespread anger, frustration, and worry. Agency Kingel along with Equine Specialist Rebecca Davidson and rural affairs expert Tim Price agreed to launch a supporting campaign to raise awareness for farmers protection. We produced a number of videos to approach the topic of rural crime from the perspectives of different people who each have their own unique knowledge of the subject.