Countryside crime rise linked to cost-of-living crisis

The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has led to a rise in theft of farmers' livestock, vehicles and fuel.

In the first three months of the year, rural crime claims payouts were 40% higher than in the previous year.

It warned that a rise in food prices could lead to more livestock thefts and contaminated meat entering the food chain.

A task force to deal with rural crime is what the NFU wants.

David Exwood, the NFU's vice-president, said: "Taking a joined-up approach and establishing a cross-governmental task force - including the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Chief's Council and the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners - will

An increase in rustling could see animals slaughtered in unsanitary conditions and sold on, threatening food security, animal welfare and people's health.

Fuel theft has more than doubled in the first half of this year, according to claims data. Fuel theft is now the greatest crime concern, according to the survey.

The cost of rural crime in the UK fell for the second year in a row to a total of over forty million dollars.

The report found that security measures, rural crime initiatives, quieter roads and community vigilance all helped suppress countryside crime.

Rebecca Davidson, NFU Mutual's rural affairs specialist, said that this year farm theft is getting more and more popular as criminals make up for time lost over the past two years.

Many farmers and rural home owners feel vulnerable due to the high levels of anxiety and disruption caused by crime in the countryside.

It can be hard for people in remote areas to sleep at night because of the knowledge that thieves are looking for targets.