Agricultural crime on the rise in Shropshire
Criminals are systematically targeting farms in Shropshire and the Midlands it was revealed today with a 61% rise in ‘agri-crime’ in 2010.
New figures from the UK’s leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, reveal that the rise in theft to agriculture in Shropshire and the Midlands is estimated to have cost £9.7 million in 2010. This reflects a nationwide trend where almost two thirds (62%) of NFU Mutual branches reported an increase in rural crime in their area.
While nationally, thieves have targeted expensive tractors, heating oil, scrap metal and livestock, the theft of power tools such as chainsaws, lawnmowers and workshop tools topped the list of items targeted by rural criminals in Shropshire. Fuel, such as farm diesel and domestic heating oil, came in a close second followed by tractors.
The NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey is based on the 2010 claims experience of its network of branch offices located in rural towns and villages. Unlike some other crime reports, NFU Mutual’s survey includes claims for crimes against homes, farms, commercial premises and vehicles.
There is little sign of rural crime slowing as the countryside continues to prove difficult to police and attitudes towards security remain relaxed.
When asked about the main reason thieves target the countryside, 41% of branches said the fact it was such a sparse area made it difficult to police, with 32% claiming there was less chance of thieves being seen. 23% thought relaxed attitudes towards to security measures could also be a factor.
59% of NFU Mutual branches believe that the most common time of day for thieves to act is during the night (midnight – 6am). 59% also reported that thefts from farms or outbuildings was the biggest problem in their area, while 12% said garden sheds and garages have proven tempting for thieves.
Commenting on the issue of rural crime Rebecca Millard, NFU Mutual Agent in Market Drayton, said: “No matter what the statistics say, theft and crime in rural areas is highly organised and is a very real threat at all times of year.
“Thieves in our area won’t just target tractors, land rovers and farm machinery, they can also make money from stealing and selling smaller items like quad bikes and power tools that can be stolen and sold on in the blink of an eye.
Commenting on the issue of rural crime Edward Garratt, NFU Mutual Agent in Bridgnorth, said: “People should make sure their quad bikes and power tools are secured in a locked building when they’re not being used. Unless they’re marked and identifiable, many farm and household items can be difficult to trace but very simple for criminals to sell.
“It’s all about taking small steps to make life much harder for rural criminals. Making outbuildings more secure is an effective deterrent and taking the time to mark your more valuable items will make it much easier to trace the criminal and return your property should it ever get stolen.”
