Rural crime cost soars

09-08-2010 | UK Farmers Guardian

New Zealand farmers are not alone in suffering the attention of criminals.

Organised gangs are being blamed for a big increase in the value of farm machinery thefts across Britain.

According to figures produced by rural insurers NFU Mutual the number of such thefts rose by 5.5% in 2009, costing farmers an estimated £42.2 million - up from just over £30m in 2008.

It said the trend was driven by a significant increase over the past two years in the number of tractors being "stolen to order", often for immediate export from English Channel ports to destinations including Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The rural insurer said machinery thefts, with quad bikes identified as the most commonly stolen item, were spearheading a general rise in rural crime.

A recent survey found 70% of NFU Mutual's 300-branch offices reported an increase in rural crime in their areas compared to the corresponding period in 2009. Only 7% said crime had decreased.

Branch managers said they believed rural crime was planned rather than opportunistic.

Almost two-thirds of branches reported thieves were from outside the area though evidence suggested in most organised thefts some degree of local knowledge was involved.

NFU Mutual chief claims manager John Kenny said it was disappointing to see rural crime was on the rise.

"This year's survey highlights the importance of good security measures and vigilance in the rural crime battle," he said.

The survey also highlighted a number of emerging trends demonstrating the changing nature of rural crime.

Vehicles are taken from fields, drives and car parks and stored in warehouses where they are often stripped down and shipped overseas to Eastern Europe and the developing world.

Sneaky thieves are pouncing when farmers and gardeners return to their houses for lunch, searching unlocked tool workshops and sheds for power tools.

Riding tack and power tools have proven to be highly desirable for thieves in the East Midlands as they are portable and easy to sell on. Research suggests many are often sold at car boot sales and on internet auction sites.

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