In its , the insurer revealed that rural crime cost the UK an estimated 拢44.1 million in 2024, down from 拢52.8尘 in 2023.
The total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts reported fell by 35% to an estimated 拢7尘 last year, with GPS units experiencing the largest cost decline, down 71% to 拢1.2尘 following their spike in 2023.听
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said these new figures demonstrate the 鈥減ower of collaboration鈥�.
鈥淲e鈥檝e seen real progress through years of NFU lobbying 鈥� from the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act to hare coursing reforms, and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendments Bill now moving through Parliament,鈥� she added.听
Joint efforts saw 拢4.4m worth of stolen agricultural vehicles and machinery seized and recovered last year, with NFU Mutual working with the NRCU (National Rural Crime Unit) to share claims data and insights, helping to identify areas at risk and theft patterns. 听
High-value equipment targeted by thieves
Quad bikes and ATVs remained top targets for thieves in 2024 however, despite falling by 16% to an estimated 拢2.7m.听
The estimated cost of tractor thefts reported to NFU Mutual also saw a rise of 17% to 拢1.5m as criminals sought out machines and their parts.
Likewise, trailer theft made a worrying resurgence, up 15% to 拢1.3m.
Elsewhere, livestock theft continued to remain high last year, at an estimated cost of 拢3.4m. NFU Mutual said this form of crime has become 'highly organised', often involving 50 or more sheep in a single raid.
UK farm animals worth an estimated 拢1.8尘 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, down by more than a quarter compared to the previous year.听
鈥�These issues go far beyond lost income 鈥� they鈥檙e about protecting people, communities and the future of British farming.鈥�
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
Protecting people, communities and farming
Rural crime costs are falling 鈥渢hanks to the coordinated efforts of farmers, police, industry and insurers,鈥� said NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos.
鈥淗owever, these crimes are still causing real damage in our communities, and the threat remains very real. Long-term support for the National Rural Crime Unit is vital, alongside stronger commitments to cross-county border policing and proper tools and training for local forces.
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鈥淔armers want to feel safe in their homes, their businesses and out in the fields. These issues go far beyond lost income 鈥� they鈥檙e about protecting people, communities and the future of British farming.鈥�
NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns said: 鈥淚n recent years we鈥檝e seen rural crime becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent in nature, with thieves willing to pull out all the stops to get what they desire, and sadly we saw that trend continue in 2024.
鈥淎lthough we must stay alert, it's encouraging to see that the estimated UK cost of rural crime dropped 17% to 拢44.1尘 as we continue to collaborate with industry and law enforcement to tackle this urgent issue. But we know there is always work to be done when it comes to rural crime.鈥�
Hannah said co-ordinated efforts from insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police, industry and law makers are 鈥渃rucial鈥� for delivering a unified response.
鈥淲e can see from our new report that this unified response can bear real dividends. United, we can confront rural crime with strength.鈥�
Worst affected counties by cost
Figures fluctuated across the UK, with Wales the only area to see a cost increase, up 18% to 拢2.8尘. Northern Ireland and Scotland saw decreases, down 9% and 33% to 拢1.8尘 and 拢1.2尘, respectively.听
In England, the Midlands saw the largest decrease, falling 31% to 拢8.1尘.听
| Region or County | Cost in 2024 | Cost in 2023 | % Change from 2023 |
| East | 拢6.3尘 | 拢7.1尘 | -11% |
| Midlands | 拢8.1尘 | 拢11.7尘 | -31% |
| North East | 拢7.1尘 | 拢8.6尘 | -17% |
| North West | 拢2.9尘 | 拢3.2尘 | -11% |
| Northern Ireland | 拢1.8尘 | 拢2尘 | -9% |
| Scotland | 拢1.2尘 | 拢1.8尘 | -33% |
| South East | 拢7.1尘 | 拢8.9尘 | -20% |
| South West | 拢6.7尘 | 拢7尘 | -4% |
| Wales | 拢2.8尘 | 拢2.4尘 | +18% |
| Total | 拢44.1尘 | 拢52.8尘 | -16.5% |
Estimates based on NFU Mutual claims statistics. To read the report in full, visit:
Of NFU Mutual agents surveyed, 92% believed rural crime was disrupting farming in their area, with 86% saying they knew farmers who had been repeat victims and 96% saying rural crime was negatively affecting farmers' mental wellbeing. The rural insurer urged farmers and their families to voice their concerns and seek support.
Visit our wellbeing directory to find support in your area.
Collaboration is key
NFU Mutual has provided over 拢400,000 on rural crime fighting initiatives in 2024.
In 2023, NFU Mutual became a major funder of the NRCU (National Rural Crime Unit).
The unit is staffed by police officers with experience in detecting and preventing rural crime, with investigative powers to track and intercept stolen machinery and equipment.
NFU Mutual has also funded the UK鈥檚 first livestock theft officer at the NRCU.
