Rural crime cost the Midlands an estimated £6.4 million in 2025
Quad bike and livestock thefts rise as organised criminals continue to target farming equipment
Rural crime cost an estimated £6.4 million in the Midlands last year, according to new figures from NFU Mutual, marking a 21% drop compared with the figures in 2024.
NFU says the reduction reflects stronger cooperation between farmers, police and industry partners tackling organised rural crime, with similar trends seen across the UK, where total losses fell to £41.5 million in 2025.
Adam Quinney, the NFU County Chair for Warwickshire, said: "Rural crime comes in waves, it might be quiet for a year but then suddenly you're getting minor and major thefts.
"Warwickshire Police and the NFU are working together to improve policing in rural areas whether that is better marking of kit, or putting measures in place on farms to deter people from theft."
Criminals continue to target valuable farming equipment, with quad bike thefts rising by 10% in the Midlands and livestock theft increasing by 13%.
The report warns that while coordinated efforts are having an impact, rural crime remains a serious threat to farming communities, with incidents continuing to cause both financial losses and emotional strain for farmers.
Hannah Binns, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Rural crime is more organised than ever, with criminals prepared to go to extreme lengths, and 2025 proved no exception.
“The impact of rural crime extends beyond financial loss, undermining trust and connection, often leaving a trauma that can remain with farmers, their families and wider communities for a lifetime.
“Alongside the fall in cost across the region and the UK, there are signs that the co-operation between Government, police, farmers, rural communities, insurers, and manufacturers is bearing fruit in the fight against rural crime.
“We cannot afford to be complacent. Only a continued, coordinated effort across industry, farming and law enforcement can deliver a unified response to rural crime. United, we can tackle it head on.”