Rural crime cost South Yorkshire farmers more than £600, 000 in a year

Rural crime left South Yorkshire farmers more than £600, 000 out of pocket in a single year.
Crime.Crime.
Crime.

Statistics which form insurance company NFU Mutual's annual rural crime report show countryside offences cost £634, 910 in 2017.

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The report also showed how farmers are using modern technology in a bid to keep the burglars at bay.

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Richard Houldsworth, NFU Mutual's senior agent in South Yorkshire, said: “Countryside criminals continue to become more brazen and farmers are now having to continually increase security and adopt new ways of protecting their equipment.

“Social media is fast becoming the new eyes and ears of the countryside. By keeping in close touch with neighbours and police through local farmwatch schemes country people can play a significant role in identifying suspicious activity and bringing thieves to justice.

The report further revealed that limited police resources and repeat attacks are the biggest fears for people in rural communities.

However, the data did show there has been a fall in rural crime of 12 per cent when compared to the previous year, which cost farmers £786, 865.

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Across the UK, the cost of rural crime has risen to £44.5 million - the highest since 2013.

“Our advice to people living and working in the countryside is to regularly evaluate your current security measures making improvements where necessary, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police and local farm watch schemes.”