UFU Watch
NFU Mutual has recently released their figures on rural and agri crime across the UK. With trends showing an increase in cybercrime among rural communities and criminals now exploiting new targets including solar panels.
Over the past year rural crime cost the UK economy £37.8 million, representing a relative decline on last year’s statistics. In particular the cost to the Northern Ireland economy sits at £2.4 million, a decrease of £1.5 million on the previous year.
UFU deputy president, Barclay Bell said: “The overall decline in rural crime reflects the huge efforts being made by communities and other rural dwellers to tackle this ever prevalent issue. There is a very real human cost associated with rural crime, many victims suffer both physical and mental trauma as a result of incidences that quite often take place in or around their own home.”
Most commonly targeted items include fuel and tools, with quad bikes continuing to prove an attractive target to thieves with rate of thefts increasing in certain regions. In Northern Ireland livestock and machinery thefts are having a devastating impact on farm businesses and families with many farmers left to absorb significant financial losses. Rural crime is an issue which must be dealt with head on and UFU would encourage all farmers and rural dwellers to remain vigilant as autumn approaches.
