Understanding and Combating Rural Crime

Rural crime in the UK is growing and becoming increasingly more organised and a distributive threat to farms across the country. From farm machinery and vehicles to livestock theft, criminals are increasingly targeting rural areas.

According to a recent report from the National Rural Crime Network and House of Commons Rural Crime Report, rural crime is amounting to over £50 million worth of theft and damage in the UK, with a high percentage being attributed to organised crime gangs (OCGs).

Rural Crime Overview and Scale

Crimes in rural areas include theft, wildlife crime, criminal damage and illegal poaching. From the reports, some concerning statistics were discovered:

• 7% of all crimes reported in England and Wales were rural crimes. (House of Commons, CDP-2025-0032)
• OCGs are responsible for up to 40% of rural thefts in some regions. (NRCN OCG Report, 2024)
• Between 2012 and 2023, vehicle theft increased by 12% in rural areas, especially agricultural vehicles. (CDP-2025-0032, p.6)

Types of Rural Crime

Crime in rural areas covers a vast range of offences. Theft is one of the primary felonies that farmers report. Tractors and agricultural machinery theft is a major issue, with machines often being worth tens of thousands, making them popular among thieves. Quad bikes, ATVs and other utility vehicles are also frequently stolen for resale and other criminal use.

At Farm & General, we understand vehicles are an expensive and important resource used to run your farm and protecting them against theft is a priority. Our specialised vehicle insurances cover a wide variety of types, including commercial vehicles and tractors, to ensure you have the right cover for your fleet. Find out more about vehicle insurance from Farm & General.

Other types of theft are also prevalent in rural areas. Livestock theft is increasing, with animals being stolen and sold into illegal meat markets and breeding operations. Along with vehicle theft, fuel theft is becoming more widespread, which accounts for up to 20% of fuel losses on farms annually, as reported by the House of Commons. Diesel, especially, is being taken and used to power the stolen vehicles and machinery. Tools, fertilisers, seeds and other farm items of value are targeted by thieves.

As well as theft, OCGs are also reportedly causing damage to properties such as fences, gates and buildings to facilitate other crimes. Having to right insurance for your farm’s livestock and properties is vital. Find out more about our commercial farm insurance here.

Challenges and Impact on Farms

Rural communities face different challenges from those more built-up. Rural areas often experience delayed police response times due to distances and limited resources, 30% longer than in urban areas, according to the CDP – 2025-0032. This can lead to evidence and perpetrators being missed in the reports, boosting the complexity of the case further.

Farmers can be reluctant to report crimes because they fear reputational damage. These crimes and challenges that come with them have a major impact on the victims. The first and possibly largest impact is financial. As has been reported, there are millions of pounds worth of theft and damage over a year which the farmer must deal with. Not only this, but these crimes cause disruption to the productivity of the farm’s daily tasks and animal welfare.

For example, livestock theft not only diminishes the sellable animals but can also impact breeding programmes and produce supply. The mental toll on farms is also huge due to rural crime. Emotional distress and decreased sense of security are common among rural residents when these offences occur. This, on top of the daily struggles and hardships those in agriculture suffer, can become intolerable. Raising awareness of mental health struggles in the agricultural industry is something we’re passionate about here at Farm & General. R.A.B.I – the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, is farming’s oldest and largest charity, which can help with the challenges and impact farmers face.

Prevention and Support for Farmers

Preventing rural crime is challenging, but the right measures can significantly reduce risk and support both recovery and prosecution.

• Farmers who invest in security systems such as CCTV, motion-activated lighting, secure fencing and heavy-duty locking systems report up to a 30% reduction in theft incidents, as reported by NRCN, 2024.
• Asset marking schemes, such as CESAR for tractors, are also proving effective. They can cut the resale potential of stolen machinery by up to 50%, making farms less attractive to organised crime gangs. In addition, keeping accurate inventories with photographs and registration numbers helps speed up recovery when theft does occur.
• Community-based initiatives like Farm Watch, which now has over 10,000 members nationally, play a vital role. They enable farmers to share intelligence, receive alerts and report suspicious activity in real time. Many farmers also participate in WhatsApp groups and neighbourhood alerts, strengthening the wider rural network against crime.
• Support from policing is improving too. According to the House of Commons briefing (CDP-2025-0032), recent investment in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, drone surveillance and dedicated rural crime task forces is already helping deter gang operations and track stolen equipment.

Finally, farmers are urged to report all incidents, no matter how minor, to help build accurate intelligence and strengthen rural policing strategies. This data helps authorities allocate resources, develop task force operations and apply pressure on known crime routes, particularly those used by cross-border organised gangs.

How Farm & General Can Help

At Farm & General, we understand the real threats that UK farms are facing today, so we offer tailored insurance to directly address them. Whether you’re protecting your tractor, commercial vehicles, livestock or small holding, our specialist policies are built to support you if rural crime should strike. We also help to protect your operation from disruption, ensuring you can recover quickly from theft or damage. With expert advice, flexible policies and coverage designed around the evolving risks reports have highlighted, we’re here to support you. Find out more about our tailored cover.