08.08.2022

Countryside crime rise linked to cost-of-living crisis

News crime Rural Vulnerability cost of living fuel costs

The BBC report how the theft of farmers' livestock, vehicles and fuel is on the rise due to the UK's cost-of-living crisis, according to a new countryside crime report

Rural crime claims payouts between January and March were over 40% higher than in 2021, insurer NFU Mutual says.

It warned rising food prices could see livestock thefts increase further and contaminated meat enter the food chain.

David Exwood, the NFU's vice-president, said:

"Taking a joined-up approach and establishing a cross-governmental task force - including Defra, the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Chiefs Council and the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners - will be crucial if we are to prevent further impacts from crime on farm businesses, both financially and emotionally."

The NFU Mutual report warns that an increase in rustling - which saw an estimated £2.4m worth of farm animals stolen in 2021 - could see animals slaughtered in unhygienic conditions and sold on, threatening food security, animal welfare and people's health.

Meanwhile, it said its claims data from the first half of this year indicate that fuel theft has more than doubled compared to the same period in 2021. Its survey found 49% of respondents felt fuel theft was now their greatest crime concern.

Full article:

The BBC - Countryside crime rise linked to cost-of-living crisis