Rural Crime News

Charity’s appeal follows new NFU Mutual report revealing highly organised criminals have been plaguing rural areas during the pandemic.

Fly-tipping causes huge damage and stress for farmers, but currently has few disincentives for anyone caught. As cases continue to rise, calls for harsher penalties have now come from a major collective of local authorities and professional bodies

While the overall cost of rural theft fell by 20 per cent in 2020 as Covid-19 kept thieves out of the countryside, other rural crimes rose sharply, and NFU Mutual is warning that organised criminals are returning with new tactics.

As peak summer holiday season arrives in the UK the National Sheep Association (NSA) is warning holidaymakers of the risk posed by their pets to sheep they may encounter during their countryside breaks.

Despite being banned in 2004 as part of the Hunting Act, hare coursing remains a costly and distressing problem for farmers across the UK

The theft of equipment from construction sites and farms has a significant impact on the businesses targeted from both the loss and replacement of the equipment taken, in addition to the cost of temporarily reduced activity and downtime within these sectors.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual has revealed the estimated cost of dog attacks on farm animals in the first quarter of 2021 rose by a staggering 50 per cent. As more people continue to use the countryside, awareness of the dangers dogs pose remains low.

A total of 18 lambs died after they were discovered dead or seriously injured, in a dog attack that is believed to be deliberate.

Dog thefts have been a rising problem in the UK for some time, but a lockdown pet boom has exacerbated the problem to incredible levels. It’s estimated that dog thefts have risen by 170% since the start of the pandemic.

Teenager Harvey Waters is “ecstatic” as well-wishers donate thousands of pounds to help him, after he lost his savings to an eBay tractor scam.

Gladis, a pregnant Highland cow and her unborn calf have sadly died in Dorset after a dog attack.

Every farm uses gates, but more and more have begun to opt for a more advanced electric option. Some have made the jump for better deterrence against intruders or stronger biosecurity. Others have found the ease of use and extra convenience worthwhile.