Cost of rural crime falls in the East of England
A new report from NFU Mutual says rural crime cost the East of England an estimated £6.3m in 2024
The cost of rural crime in the East of England fell by 11% according to a new report from NFU Mutual.
According to data from the insurer it cost the region an estimated £6.3m in 2024, and quad bikes and other all-terrain vehicles remain high on thieves' shopping lists.
Kylie Robson-Lee, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for the East of England, said: “In recent years we’ve 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.
“Although we must stay alert, it's encouraging to see that the East of England reflected the trend as the cost of rural crime across the UK dropped 16.5% to £44.1m 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.
“Rural crime goes far beyond disrupting farm work and impacting food production. It has a real impact on the mental wellbeing of farmers and their families, causing severe stress and sleepless nights as the rural community lives in fear that those responsible might return.
“Co-ordinated 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 – and we can see from our new report that this unified response can bear real dividends.
“United, we can confront rural crime with strength.”