The overall cost in the South West in 2024 fell by 4% to an estimated 拢6.7m, whilst in the South East (including BBO and Hampshire) costs fell by 20% to an estimated 拢7.1m.
But although overall crime costs fell, there were considerable fluctuations within counties.
Considerable fluctuations
In Berkshire costs more than doubled, from 拢228,000 to 拢473,000, and there was a similar situation in Dorset, with a 95% rise from 拢347,000 to 拢676,000. Worst hit was Somerset, which saw a 169% increase from 拢801,000 to 拢2,152,000.
The biggest falls were 30% in Hampshire, from 拢1,373,000 to 拢948,000, and 21% in Wiltshire, down from 拢984,000 to 拢774,000.
Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remained top targets for thieves, despite costs falling 16% to around 拢2.7m.
The cost of global positioning system (GPS) units theft went down 71% to 拢1.2m Livestock theft remained high in 2024 at an estimated cost of 拢3.4m across the UK.聽
It has become highly organised and often involves 50 or more sheep being taken in a single raid.
Tackling livestock theft
NFU Mutual is a major funder of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) and has funded the UK鈥檚 first livestock theft officer within the unit until at least 2027/28 to tackle this upsetting crime.
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.
The National Construction and AgriTheft Team, which sits under the NRCU, seized 拢4.4m worth of stolen agricultural vehicles and machinery in 2024.
Collaboration having an impact
Roz Hills, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for the South West, said collaboration with industry and law enforcement was having an impact but there was still work to be done.
鈥淩ural crime goes far beyond disrupting farm work and impacting food production,鈥� she said.
鈥淚t has a real impact on the mental wellbeing of farmers and their families, causing stress and sleepless nights as the rural community lives in fear that those responsible might return.鈥�
Colin Campbell, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for the South East, said: 鈥淐oordinated efforts from insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police, industry and law makers are crucial in delivering a unified response to the rural crime challenge posed by organised criminals and opportunistic thieves.
鈥淲e can see from our new report that this can bear real dividends.鈥�