‘Agri-crime’ costs rise but farmers fight back as thieves target countryside
Theft from farms has reached new levels, warns leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, as the estimated cost of theft to UK agriculture tipped £52.7 million in 2011.
The 6% rise in the cost of ‘agri-crime’ came despite a fall in tractor thefts in England and Wales. Instead, thieves have shifted their focus to livestock, diesel and metal.
The figures, based on claims data, have been released to coincide with the publication of the annual NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey, a nationwide survey of branch offices located throughout the UK’s countryside. Unlike other crime reports, NFU Mutual’s includes claims for crimes against homes, farms, commercial premises and vehicles.
While power tools and ATVs remain firm favourites with rural criminals, emerging trends such as metal theft are being carried out on such a large scale that even an 11% drop in the theft of tractors has been engulfed by the cost of replacing items that can be scrapped or resold for a fraction of their worth.
Although tractor thefts have fallen in England and Wales, they remain a major problem for farmers in many parts of the country and are continuing to rise in Scotland and Northern Ireland with tractors being stolen and exported from channel ports to final destinations across the globe.
A new trend highlighted by the survey was theft of agrochemicals. NFU Mutual branch staff in arable farming areas noted thieves are now targeting farm chemical stores to steal pesticides and herbicides which can cost over £600 for 10 litres.
The survey suggests poor economic conditions and rising commodity prices are the two main factors behind the steady rise in rural crime over the last twelve months.
Although over three quarters (76%) of Agents believe members are more concerned about rural crime in their area compared to 12 months ago, it appears farmers are refusing to take this blight lying down.
The survey reveals that NFU Mutual Agents and claims staff believe high-tech security measures like CCTV and tracker devices, as well as physical security measures such as locks and alarms are more effective than a greater police presence or tougher sentencing for criminals.
As a mutual organisation with a vested interest in the farming community, NFU Mutual is committed to cutting claims costs where possible. To combat the problem of tractor thefts the company sponsors a police unit to coordinate national and international operations to catch thieves.
NFU Mutual is also helping farmers fight rural crime by sponsoring national and regional rural crime conferences; liaising with police and local farm Watch groups. It also recently launched the Country Crimefighters Awards to promote examples of good security initiatives from individuals, groups and the police.
Commenting on rural crime and the Survey results, Lindsay Sinclair, Group Chief Executive of NFU Mutual, said: “It is a sad fact but the countryside has long been seen as an easy target for criminals. Encouragingly, country folk are not taking the blight lying down, fighting back with both high-tech security measures as well as more innovative schemes.
“As the UK’s leading rural insurer, we are committed to keeping our members up-to-date with emerging trends and promoting great examples of crime prevention. Working together we can make it much more difficult for criminals to succeed in countryside.”
To help promote good security practice, deter thieves and reduce claims, the Mutual is offering a range of premium discounts of up to 27.5% to farmers who fit approved security measures, including CESAR registration, immobilisers and tracker devices.
Bespoke technical advice and guidance for farmers and growers is available from NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Ltd. A wholly-owned subsidiary of NFU Mutual, it has a network of surveyors who help farmers manage their businesses safely and securely.
To help members, NFU Mutual has developed a farm security checklist:
- Remove keys and secure cars, tractors, and other vehicles when unattended
- Keep gates to farm yards closed whenever possible
- Fit CESAR marking systems and immobilizers to high value tractors
- Use security lighting in yards and drives
- Have the Vehicle Identification Number etched on vehicle windows
- Consider tracking devices and/or immobilisers for more expensive machines/cars
- Physically secure ATVs using suitable locking devices or heavy duty security chain and padlocks
- Record machinery serial numbers
- Mark livestock clearly and count them regularly
- Use Smart Water to mark valuable tools and equipment
- Ensure computers are kept in well-secured buildings
- Lock up tools and equipment out of sight
