Farmers targeted as organised thefts cost £2.8m in 2024

THE COST of rural crime in Wales rose by 18% last year, despite a sharp decline across the rest of the UK, according to new figures published by NFU Mutual.

The UK’s leading rural insurer said crime in the Welsh countryside cost an estimated £2.8 million in 2024—up from the previous year—making it the only UK nation to see an increase. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland recorded significant drops of 33% and 9% respectively.

NFU Mutual’s Rural Crime Report 2025, released on Monday (June 16), reveals that quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remain top targets for criminals. These thefts cost farmers across the UK an estimated £2.7 million in 2024, even though the overall number of incidents fell by 16%.

Agricultural vehicle thefts dropped by 35% to around £7 million, while the theft of GPS equipment—previously a growing trend—fell by 71% to £1.2 million after a spike in 2023.

Livestock theft remains a serious concern, costing UK farmers £3.4 million last year. In many cases, more than 50 sheep were taken in a single raid, with NFU Mutual warning that the practice has become increasingly organised and coordinated.

Dog attacks on farm animals also led to losses of around £1.8 million, although this figure was down by more than 25% compared to 2023.

Owen Suckley, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager for Wales, said: “In recent years we’ve seen rural crime becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent. Sadly, we saw that trend continue in Wales throughout 2024.”

He added: “It’s not just about financial loss—these crimes have a real impact on the mental wellbeing of farming families. Farmers are left fearful and exhausted, constantly worrying that thieves will return.”

While Wales has seen a rise in rural crime, the wider UK picture shows some improvement. The total cost of rural crime across the UK dropped by 16.5% to £44.1 million, thanks in part to better coordination between police, farmers, insurers, and government.

In 2024, a joint initiative led by the National Rural Crime Unit and NFU Mutual helped recover £4.4 million worth of stolen farm machinery. NFU Mutual also funded the UK’s first dedicated livestock theft prevention officer, whose work will continue until at least 2027.

A survey of NFU Mutual’s rural insurance agents found that:

• 92% believe crime is disrupting farming activity in their area;
• 86% know of farmers who’ve been repeatedly targeted; and
• 96% believe rural crime is negatively affecting mental health in the farming community.

NFU Mutual has pledged more than £400,000 in funding for rural crime prevention initiatives during 2024 and is urging farmers to remain vigilant. The insurer is also calling on rural communities to report suspicious activity and work together to combat crime.

Speaking about the figures, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “These figures are both alarming and deeply disappointing. Rural communities in Wales are being let down.
Criminals see the countryside as an easy target, and it’s vital that we invest in both policing and preventative infrastructure to reverse this trend.
However, the UK Labour government’s Spending Review will make policing more difficult and shows once again that rural issues just aren’t on Labour’s radar.
Farmers need real support – not just from the police, but from government – to feel safe in their homes and secure in their livelihoods. I will continue to stand up for these communities and make sure their voice is heard.”

Farmers are encouraged to download the full report and access crime prevention advice at:
👉 www.nfumutual.co.uk/farming/rural-crime/