The new report reveals that rural crime cost the UK an estimated 拢44.1m in 2024, down from 拢52.8m the previous year.聽
Across England, the Midlands saw the largest decrease in value from 2023, costing the region 拢11.7m in the previous year.
The figures
The total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts reported to the Mutual fell 35% to an estimated 拢7m last year, with GPS (global positioning system) units experiencing the largest cost decline, down 71% to 拢1.2m following their spike in 2023.
- The biggest dips in our region were in Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire, all of which suffered less than half the cost of rural crime claimed compared to 2023鈥檚 results.
- Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remained top targets for thieves, despite falling 16% to an estimated 拢2.7m.聽
- Livestock theft remained high in 2024 at an estimated cost of 拢3.4m across the UK.聽
- UK farm animals worth an estimated 拢1.8m were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, down by more than a quarter compared to the previous year.聽
'Must stay alert'
Kylie Robson-Lee, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for the Midlands, said: 鈥淎lthough we must stay alert, it鈥檚 encouraging to see that the Midlands reflected the (downward) trend... but we know there is always work to be done when it comes to rural crime.鈥�