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Rural crime has cost Northern Ireland an estimated £1.8m in 2024, according to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
A new report by NFU Mutuals showed that this figure is a 9% decrease from 2023, which the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has accredited to the co-ordinated efforts by countryside bodies in Northern Ireland.
The report also found that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £44.1m in 2024, down from £52.8m the previous year.
UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said criminal activity is a real concern in rural communities and can be devastating for any farm family.
“[While] it is positive to see that the cost of rural crime in NI has dropped, behind those statistics are farm families that are trying to manage the financial hit of rural crime and the personal trauma,” he said.
“Credit must be given to the immense [joined]-up efforts by farmers, insurers, manufacturers, police, industry and law makers to tackle rural crime head on.
"The findings in NFU Mutual’s report shows progress is being made, but we need to continue to work together and utilise all measures to keep farm businesses and farm families safe, improving the statistics year on year.”
Thefts
Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remained top targets for thieves, despite falling 16% to an estimated cost of £2.7m.
Livestock theft remained high in 2024 at an estimated cost of £3.4m across the UK, with the issue also remaining significant in Northern Ireland.
In addition, UK farm animals worth an estimated £1.8m were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, down by more than one quarter compared to the previous year.
“These are key areas that the UFU continues to engage in through our involvement with the rural crime partnership and meetings with other stakeholders such as the Belfast Hills Partnership. It’s vital that we as farmers remain alert and take proactive steps to protect our homes and businesses,” added McLenaghan.
“I encourage all farmers to document their machinery, take photos for records and think about using tracking technology. There are also rural crime prevention measures available, such as trailer marking and freeze branding livestock, which can offer added security.”
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