Farmers across the UK are concerned about rising rural crime, which has been highlighted by the recent tractor theft from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s Essex farm.
A recent National Farmers’ Union (NFU) survey across England and Wales about rural crime revealed:
– Almost one third said they had experienced at least one crime during 2020.
– Victims of crime suffered average losses of £4,473.
– More than half of farmers surveyed feel that rural crime has increased during the past year.
– Nearly half of crime victims reported at least one instance of theft with the most common types of items stolen being tools and equipment; vehicles and machinery.
Tracker, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, is urging rural communities to protect themselves from casual criminals and organised gangs focusing on farms, calling for extra vigilance and reminding owners to look at ways to protect their vehicles, farm equipment and machinery.
Head of Police Liaison for Tracker, Clive Wain, said: “Thankfully, farmers are responding to the rise by taking extra crime prevention measures such as blocking field entrances, digging ditches around fields and most importantly upgrading building security and installing CCTV.
“Another security strategy is to fit tracking units. Whilst it won’t necessarily stop the vehicle or equipment from stolen, it will significantly increase the prospect of successful recovery and return to the rightful owner if this happens.”