The latest NFU Mutual Rural Crime report showed that while the cost of rural crime dropped in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic, it was on the rise again at the start of 2022. It could continue to rise in the months ahead, amid the cost-of-living crisis and rocketing prices of essential farm equipment and fuel.
All farmers should seek to protect their business from crime, but those that have launched new ventures need to consider any new risks.
Vigilant
Rebecca Davidson, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, says: While break-ins at farms and other rural businesses are sadly not a new phenomenon because of their remote locations, we have seen a recent spate of thefts from diversified businesses, including farm shops.
Our advice is for diversified businesses to be vigilant about anyone acting suspiciously on site and to keep any cash held on site to a minimum.
Practical Advice
To prevent crime and protect your property:
- Install CCTV, security lighting and an alarm thieves hate to be seen and heard
- Reduce your cash on-site by banking more frequently also consider any on-site vending machines and removing the cash cassettes each night
- Safes should be fixed to the ground in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
Rural Crime report
As the UKs leading rural insurer, NFU are in a unique position to understand the true cost of rural crime.
Every year they gather claims statistics to provide a detailed picture of the financial and social impact of rural crime. To help prevent crime and protect your property you can find advice in our 2022 rural crime report, visit nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime for more information.
