According to Suffolk police, the first incident took place overnight between 7pm on 29th March and 7am on 30th March, when a farm in Friston had three GPS trackers and 3 Pro 700 screens taken from three different tractors (crime ref: 37/18531/23). Around 300 litres of Ad Blue was also drained out of a container, with the value of equipment stolen totalling £15,000.

The second incident saw three GPS screens, a total control screen and three GPS domes stolen from three tractors at a farm in Bedingfield from Monday 3^rd April at 9pm to Tuesday 4^th April at 7.15am (crime ref: 37/19528/23).

Meanwhile, the third incident occurred at some point between 4pm on Monday 3^rd April and 7am on Tuesday 4^th April at a farm in Hoxne that had a GPS system valued at £10,000 taken from a tractor (crime ref: 37/19778/23).

Investigations are currently ongoing and the police have linked the three recent incidents. Authorities also believe those responsible for the thefts had a high degree of knowledge of how to access the site and the units.

Enquires are ongoing to track down the criminal(s) responsible for the thefts and anyone who has seen any suspicious activity relating to these incidents or knows of the whereabouts of the stolen goods should contact Suffolk police quoting the relevant crime number.

The public can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org with any relevant information.

To prevent any further cases, farmers, land owners and businesses in possession of GPS equipment are asked to remain vigilant of any suspicious activity and consider the following safety advice:

• If possible, remove all kit from machines when not in use, especially if the machinery is left out overnight
• Review security at your premises, as well as premises where such equipment is serviced and sold
• Record the serial number and take a digital image of the number
• Security mark the kit, possibly with a UV marker or permanent black marker, with the name of your location and postcode to make it unattractive to a would-be thief.

Farmers are also advised to review the farm security checklist compiled by the Norfolk and Suffolk police.

The post Suffolk police issues warning following recent GPS thefts appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Despite sheep worrying being a criminal offence in the UK, farmers continue to experience the issue on a regular basis, with sheep being left distressed, injured or even killed following an attack.

In the survey of more than 300 sheep farmers, 70% had experienced a sheep worrying attack in the past 12 months, while 95% of respondents suffered up to 10 cases per year. Moreover, three sheep deaths were reported each year due to a dog attack, which doesn’t take into account production losses such as miscarriage, reported by nearly 70% of respondents.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “(…) One of the most concerning threats to sheep welfare, worrying by dogs, continues to be swept under the carpet. It seems to be an area where resolution is too difficult a challenge to tackle and so, attacks continue with little consequence to those at fault.

“There is a real concern amongst sheep farmers that the situation is spiralling out of control and becoming the norm.

“As reported in the NSA survey, farmers are taking what steps they can to protect their flocks including displaying signs, moving sheep to areas with less public access and working with communities via social media but unfortunately these actions are having little impact in improving the number of sheep worrying incidents,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, 82% of survey respondents strongly agreed that additional actions are necessary to deter dog owners from allowing attacks to happen. While the NSA has welcomed increased powers and fines proposed in the new Kept Animals Bill, it is concerned these will not be sufficient to make a significant impact.

Mr Stocker continued: “The Kept Animals Bill is well behind schedule which is frustrating on one hand but I still don’t believe it is fit for purpose, still not requiring dogs to be on leads when in fields with sheep and suggesting maximum fines for those found guilty being limited to £1000 in England.

“This compares to a recent change of legislation in Scotland that has seen the same crime punishable with up to a £40,000 fine or prison sentence. This disparity must be addressed.

“A lack of punishment and continued varied responses from Police Rural Crime teams is frustrating farmers who are experiencing great upset as well as financial loss because of this issue,” he stressed.

To highlight the terrible impact of livestock worrying as lambing season gathers pace, the NSA is launching its ‘Sheep Worrying by Dogs’ campaign next week (Monday 3^rd of April). NSA communications manager Katie James commented:

“With lengthening daylight hours and a bank holiday weekend just around the corner, many people will want to get out and about to enjoy the beautiful British countryside; they may even look forward to viewing spring lambs in the fields.

“But many will not realise the threat to sheep flocks from dogs walking off the lead. Even the most highly trained pet dog can follow its instincts and chase livestock. To some this may appear like play but to a prey animal such as a sheep it is highly stressful and can have a devastating effect.”

As dog ownership continues to increase in the UK, NSA is reminding all owners to take responsibility and keep their dogs on a lead when walking nearby sheep. Further guidance for dog owners on the issue of sheep worrying is available on the NSA website at www.sheepworrying.org.uk

To view the results of the NSA 2023 Sheep worrying by dogs survey, visit: https://go.nationalsheep.org.uk/2023surveyresults

The post Sheep worrying by dogs is “spiralling out of control”, survey shows appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Latest theft claims figures from the rural insurer show a 26% annual increase in the cost of quad theft, bringing the total value to £2.8m in 2022. A continued increase in thefts into 2023 has highlighted the need for adopting additional security measures to deter criminals.

With thieves targeting many sheep farms where quads are a vital tool, further thefts can leave farmers struggling to look after their sheep as lambing season approaches.

Bob Henderson from the Agricultural Engineering Team at NFU Mutual said: “Quads are a vital tool for farmers who often look after hundreds of sheep single-handedly.

“A shortage of new machines has driven the price of second-hand quads higher and this has led to a feeding-frenzy from criminal gangs who steal the vehicles to sell on in the UK and across the globe.

“The thefts leave farmers with extra work when their sheep and new-born lambs need constant attention, and bad weather means quads are often the only way to get to them in remote hilly areas.”

The supply chain issues which are driving prices up are also making it difficult for farmers to source replacement machines when their vehicles are stolen, Mr Henderson explained.

To help protect farmers, NFU Mutual is working with quad manufacturers to provide customers with free tracking and immobilisation equipment on vehicles bought to replace stolen quads and ATVs, following a paid claim.

“Today’s criminals will spend time watching farms to see where quads are kept and then come back with tools to break in and steal them,” Mr Henderson continued.

“To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of quad theft it’s vital to always remove keys when not on the machine and always secure your quad when it’s not in use.

“Thieves often will return to a farm where they have stolen a quad in the hope of being able to steal its replacement. To beat repeat quad thefts, we’re working with manufacturers to provide our customers who have had a quad stolen with free tracking devices and immobilisers,” he added.

DC Chris Piggott, from the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team (NCATT), which forms part of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU), said tracking, immobilisation and security markings can effectively deter thieves and make it easier for police to catch the gangs behind these crimes.

“To avoid buying a stolen piece of kit and fuelling the criminal trade, we’re urging farmers to obtain serial numbers for the quad and check these with companies such as HPI who can fully provenance them.”

Mr Piggott also recommends obtaining records or copies of original invoices when purchasing quads from local dealerships. What’s more, he strongly advises against conducting business in lay-bys or service stations and proposes meeting people in their homes instead to ensure they are a resident there.

“Anyone who has any information about quad theft should report it by calling 101 or sharing information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111,” Mr Piggott added.

To encourage investment in crime prevention, NFU Mutual has introduced  new discount scheme for Scorpion security products, in addition to its existing agricultural vehicle insurance policy discounts for members who use measures such as CESAR marking, approved trackers, immobilisers and mechanical devices.

The rural insurer is also working closely with MPs and the Government to help support legislation going through Parliament which will hopefully see increased security as standard on new ATVs being sold in the future.

Safety advice for farmers

NFU Mutual and the NRCU have issued the following advice to prevent more farmers becoming victims:

• Always remove keys and keep them stored securely, away from the vehicle
• When not in use, keep quads and ATVs locked up out of sight
• Install tracking devices and immobilisers to make it easier for police to recover stolen vehicles – most modern tracking devices are GPS enabled, with alarms/alerts that will send a message informing you if your machine is being tampered with. You can also set working hours and geofences to alert you if a machine is being moved outside of a pre-set working area
• Use CESAR marking to deter thieves and enable police to identify stolen machinery
• Target-harden your quad by creating a security cage or use a mechanical device such as steering brake/lock, ground anchor or wheel clamp when not in use – these devices are both visible and physical deterrents to thieves
• Know what you own – keep records of serial numbers and photographs of your kit including unique identifying features
• When buying a new quad ask for a chipped key and immobilisation system

For more information on quad and farm vehicle security, NFU Mutual and the NRCU have produced theft prevention videos which are available at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCGdB27NXuooScjLAfZCaVjesU8sd06u8

The post Farmers urged to increase security amid sharp rise in quad thefts appeared first on Farmers Guide.

On 21st February, Colchester magistrates handed David Hilden and Tyron Young disqualification orders under section 66 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 in what is believed to be a national first, after the pair each admitted a charge of daytime trespass in pursuit of game.

Magistrates made the orders after hearing both men had travelled to the Saffron Walden area from south London with dogs which were to be used to poach game.

Investigating officer PC Nigel Wright, of the Rural Engagement Team, said after the hearing: “The poaching of wild animals is extremely cruel but it can also cause a lot of damage to crops and farmland, which is very costly for the land owner or farmer.

“Dogs are integral to poaching and I am delighted that the magistrates were able to use this new legislation to deprive these two poachers of any access to dogs, even just walking someone else’s, for the next three years.

“We look forward to working with the CPS to have these disqualification orders applied in cases of hare coursing and other poaching offences in the future.”

Sally Robinson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS East of England and CPS Hare Coursing Lead, said: “This type of offending has a profound impact on rural and farming communities, which is why I am thrilled that, in a legal first, we successfully asked the court to apply disqualification orders in this case.

“I hope this sends a warning to anyone who thinks about poaching any form of wildlife, that we will not hesitate to ask for these orders whenever possible.

“We will continue to clamp down on poachers – working closely with the police and other partner agencies – using all the powers at our disposal.”

Hilden, 39, of Lathams Way, Croydon, and Young, 35, of Bolton Drive, Morden, were detained by rural engagement officers while walking across crop fields with four dogs, including two lurchers on slip leads, on Peacock Hill, near Littlebury, Saffron Walden, on 15 October 2022.

There were no public footpaths in the area and the landowner had not given the men permission to be on the land. When interviewed by officers at the scene, Hilden admitted he had gone on to the land to pursue rabbits while Young claimed to be walking his dog.

Officers seized their vehicle at the time and, following further enquiries, Hilden and Young were summonsed to appear at court to answer the charges.

Hilden was also fined £120 and ordered to pay court costs of £105 and a victim surcharge of £48, while Young was fined £200 and ordered to pay £105 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

The post A first for the nation as two poachers banned from owning dogs appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Farmers should be wary of product for sale from unknown or suspicious sources, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has warned.

AIC added that crop protection and agronomy companies and farming businesses should be alert to the risk of further thefts in the area and nationally as the spring season of use approaches. Businesses may wish to review their security arrangements.

The break-in occurred at a major distributor’s store in Norfolk in the early hours of the morning on 6th February.

Products stolen from the store included a large quantity of herbicides for spring use in a range of crops including cereals, potatoes, and sugar beet. The names of specific products taken are Grazon, Basagran, Artist, Broadway Star, Maister, Signum, and Pacifica Plus.

Hazel Doonan, AIC’s head of crop protection and agronomy, said: “Any business or individual selling or supplying professional PPPs must hold the BASIS certificate in Crop Protection.

“Growers should be wary of inadvertently handling stolen goods and the potential damage to their business reputation, including the risk of breaching some farm assurance standards around traceability of inputs.

“Therefore, growers should be extremely cautious if they are offered product that appears to be exceptionally cheap or does not come from a known and reputable distribution company.

“We strongly urge anyone who is approached to buy PPPs from an unknown or suspicious seller to report the details to the police by calling 101, or to make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers UK by calling 0800 555 111.”

The post Warning to growers after raid of Norfolk ag-chem store appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration.

Victims of waste crime, such as farmers and landowners, are being asked to respond to the Environment Agency’s National Waste Crime Survey.

The survey aims to understand the scale and impacts of waste crime in England and find out what would encourage people to report waste criminals. It also seeks to understand how to deter criminals and assess the effectiveness of actions taken so far.

The 2021 survey revealed that 20% of waste is suspected to be handled illegally but only a quarter of incidents are reported to EA.

Waste crime could include anything from dumping of waste to fraudulent producer responsibility claims, deliberate breaches of permits, metal theft and the growing issue of the waste industry being used to launder money.

Government statistics show that fly-tipping fell by 4% in the past 12 months but the number of incidents was still among the highest on record (1.09 million). However, the figures do not include fly-tipping on private land, which is thought to affect nearly two-thirds of farmers, according to the NFU.

NFU Environment Forum chair Richard Bramley said: “Fly-tipping continues to plague the lives of so many of us living and working in the countryside and is something I witnessed first-hand recently when I had dozens of empty glass bottles dumped on my farm.”

Farms are increasingly seeing industrial-scale amounts of rubbish such as builders’ rubble and hazardous materials, taking a huge emotional and financial toll on farmers, he added.

“The NFU continues to call for urgent action. This includes making it easier for the public to reduce and recycle waste, and properly punishing offenders who are caught dumping waste illegally with punitive fines, so they act as a deterrent.

“We also want to see a consistent approach across the country where police, government agencies and local authorities are working more closely together to tackle the problem.”

The EA survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and closes on 27^th February at 10am. Complete the survey here: Snap Surveys (welcomesyourfeedback.net)

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Ensuring the farmyard has effective security in place is the first step to deterring fuel thieves.

Diesel thefts reported to the UK’s leading rural insurer more than doubled in 2022 as the price of diesel rocketed, with latest NFU Mutual claims figures showing the cost of diesel theft rose to a record £886,197 during the year.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite and diesel prices remain close to record levels, the insurer is concerned that diesel raids could continue to increase in coming months.

September was the costliest month last year, with claims amounting to £229,537 compared to £36,237 in 2021.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns says “With diesel costing around £1.75 at the pumps, farmers’ fuel tanks are now like liquid gold to thieves.

“Farmers need fuel to keep the nation fed, so these thefts are a major concern for agriculture at a time when fast-rising input costs are adding further pressures on rural businesses.

“As well as the loss of vital fuel, thieves often damage tanks leaving fuel running into the ground where it can cause horrendous pollution as well as an increased fire risk.

“We are urging farmers and other rural businesses to review and upgrade their security systems to protect diesel stocks from thieves.”

Ensuring the farmyard has effective security in place is the first step to deterring fuel thieves, says Andy Manson, managing director of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Limited.

“Where possible, locate fuel tanks where the can be seen from the farmhouse, ideally within an enclosed compound with secured access. It is worth considering fitting a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks.”

NFU Mutual Farm diesel security tips: 

Fuel tanks

• Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from the farmhouse.
• Ideally tanks should be within an enclosed compound with secured access.
• Fit a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks. Remote electronic fuel level gauges will set off an audible or monitored alarm if the fuel level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a defined level.
• Make sure that the tank is suitably bunded to prevent release into the ground, causing pollution.
• Record the number, location, tank storage capacity and the date/times when tanks are filled and regularly check levels.

Vehicles and machinery

• Use locking fuel filler caps.
• Keep tractors and powered machinery locked up and out of sight from public roads and footpaths when not in use, to prevent thieves draining their fuel tanks.
• Only fill fuel bowsers with the amount needed for the day and return fuel bowsers to locked buildings when not in use.
• Check your fuel gauge is not showing irregularities in fuel levels.

Site security

• Keep field and farmyard gates closed and locked, and block exit points that aren’t used.
• Activate intruder alarm systems, which may have a local sounder or remotely monitored signalling.
• Install security lighting to illuminate any suspicious activity.
• Consider fitting motion detectors or CCTV.

The post Diesel thefts more than double in 2022 appeared first on Farmers Guide.

There have been various reports of highly-organised criminals hauling away expensive tractors and loaders using a stolen articulated lorry in Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire in recent weeks. Thieves have reportedly broken into farm offices to steal tractor keys and GPS equipment, which is typically worth £10,000.

The latest incident has seen two nearly-new John Deere tractors stolen from a Cambridgeshire farm, alongside a number of GPS kits. The case was investigated by Essex Police and within hours, both vehicles were recovered at Thurrock motorway services.

Bob Henderson, technical engineering manager at NFU Mutual, said: “We’re concerned that this series of raids could mark a return of organised tractor thefts from our farms.

“We haven’t seen this level of organised raids by tractor thieves for over two years. During the pandemic we saw criminals turn their sights onto smaller, more portable kit but these latest tractor thefts show we need to up our game to keep thieves at bay.

“As the main insurer of the country’s farmers, we know that theft of vital vehicles and the GPS equipment that controls them is incredibly disruptive, causing anxiety and worry for families who live in remote areas.

“We’re responding to the new threat by helping farmers put effective security measures in place, and continuing to provide major support to enable dedicated police resources to tackle agricultural vehicle crime.”

In 2021, the NFU Mutual invested £430,000 in rural crime initiatives. A portion of the funds were allocated to support the agricultural vehicle theft unit at the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS). The unit recovered stolen machinery worth £2.6m last year and works directly with police forces across the country and overseas to combat rural crime.

Commenting on the recent incident, Detective Constable Chris Piggott, head of the NaVCIS agricultural vehicle theft unit, said: “Proactive policing resulted in the quick recovery of the two John Deere tractors recently stolen in Cambridgeshire.

“However, today’s organised criminal gangs have long tentacles, so farms are still at high risk. Gangs also tend to move their illegal activities to a new region when farmers and police increase security and local patrols.

“It’s clear that tractor thieves are now searching workshops and farm offices to find tractor keys and stored GPS equipment so it’s more important than ever to keep them locked away in a separate location to the vehicles.”

To help farmers protect themselves against rural crime, the NFU Mutual has assembled the following tractor and large agricultural vehicle security checklist:

• Close and lock yard gates at night to deter drive-through thieves
• Keep vehicle keys locked up securely at a separate location
• Check security lighting, alarms and cameras are working correctly and update if necessary
• Avoid leaving vehicles where they can be easily seen from nearby roads
• Consider infra-red beam alarms, CCTV and floodlighting to protect farmyards
• Join a local farm watch group or WhatsApp network to keep updated about local rural crime trends and suspicious sightings
• Fit trackers and immobilisers to deter thieves and aid recovery of stolen vehicles
• Use the CESAR marking and registration system
• View NFU Mutual’s tractor security video for advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzrS109mPCk

The post Farmers warned to increase security following string of tractor thefts appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Land Rover Defender thefts increased by 34% in 2021 after a slight lull in 2020, with the iconic vehicles being targeted by rural criminals and organised gangs who dismantle them for parts.

Data from NFU Mutual shows the cost of Defender theft claims almost doubled in 2021 to £2.6m

The insurer is recommending a mix of traditional and sophisticated electronic security measures.

Rural affairs specialist Rebecca Davidson, said: “We’ve been insuring Land Rovers since they first appeared on British farms, and their iconic status makes these vehicles a regular target for both opportunistic thieves and organised criminal gangs.

“From trusted farm vehicles to coveted collectors’ pieces, Defenders have universal appeal. With older models retaining their vintage value and newer used cars soaring in price, thieves are scouring the countryside for Land Rovers, as well as dismantling them for parts.

“We know that when prices go up, thieves are quick to cash in and the decrease in rural theft that we saw over lockdown is well and truly over.”

NFU Mutual has partnered with Scorpion Track to offer customers discounts of over 50% on sophisticated tracking and anti-theft devices for their vehicles.

DC Chris Piggott of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) said there is particular concern over the older Land Rover Defender models – the workhorses which are so important to farmers’ everyday activity – as they lack modern security systems.

“Owners should therefore fortify their vehicles as much as possible, using a combination of measures such as immobilisers, tracking devices and pedal and steering wheel locks,” he continued.

“It’s also common to see vehicles stripped for parts in situ, but good site security and simple, cost effective measures can make life difficult enough for thieves for them to abandon their attempts.”

NFU Mutual’s top tips for securing classic Rover Defenders:

• Keep the vehicle locked at all times when not in use
• Fit an accredited alarm for security and a tracking device to locate your vehicle if stolen – NFU Mutual customers can receive a discount on Scorpion Track devices
• Fit a mechanical immobiliser such as a steering wheel or pedal lock
• Thieves will often target component parts so consider marking them using a forensic marking solution or system
• Keep the vehicle in a lockable building if possible, or park in well-lit areas which are overlooked
• Have the vehicle identification number etched on windows
• Consider fitting a hidden battery isolation or a fuel cut-off switch
• Take photographs of unusual features, modifications, damage or repairs which could aid identification if stolen
• Ensure any valuables are removed from the vehicle
• Don’t share information on social media which could indicate where Land Rovers are kept
• For modern vehicles, keep electronic keys in a faraday pocket or box at night.

The post Defender thefts soaring, latest statistics show appeared first on Farmers Guide.

After two years of declining rural thefts during the pandemic, NFU Mutual’s latest report shows the cost of rural crime soared by 40% in the first quarter of 2022 – with farm vehicles remaining a top target.

Despite an overall decrease in rural thefts last year, signs that rural criminals were returning had already begun towards the end of 2021, according to the rural insurer. Well-organised criminals continued to plague farmyards, stealing high-value farm machinery.

The total cost of rural theft was an estimated £40.5m across the UK last year, and the cost of agricultural vehicle theft reported to NFU Mutual remained at over £9m.

Vehicle thefts

Land Rover Defender owners battled a barrage of crime as the rocketing value of second-hand cars and replacement parts saw thieves stealing the iconic British 4×4 vehicles and stripping them down, with the cost of claims shooting up by 87% to £2.6m.

And although NFU Mutual saw the cost of stolen quad-bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) fall 11% to £2.2m in 2021, almost half of those thefts took place from September to December.

As shipping delays and the effects of Covid and Brexit contributed to low supply and a rise in demand, thieves turned their sights back to these easily portable, hot-ticket items to capitalise on growing waiting lists and soaring market values.

Animal thefts

Rustling has also become more lucrative for criminal gangs, and latest analysis shows farm animals worth an estimated £2.4m were stolen in 2021. Soaring food prices could mean that livestock theft now increases, raising concerns about food security, animal welfare and people’s health due to stolen animals being slaughtered in unhygienic conditions.

Fuel

The number of fuel theft claims received by NFU Mutual fell from 2020 to 2021, but with record high prices for diesel and heating oil, NFU Mutual claims data from the first half of this year indicates the frequency and cost of fuel theft claims have more than doubled compared to the same period in 2021. In a new poll of the rural community by NFU Mutual, almost half of respondents (49%) said that fuel theft was now their greatest crime concern.

“High levels of anxiety and disruption”

Rebecca Davidson, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Our latest claims figures warn that rural theft is quickly gathering momentum as criminals make up for time lost over the past two pandemic years. We’re advising rural people to review their security, to help prevent crime and disruption.

“With prices of essential farm equipment such as tractors and quads rising fast and the cost of diesel soaring over the past year, there’s little doubt that criminals will be trying to steal from farms. We also know that essentials of rural living like heating oil tanks will only become more attractive to thieves as costs rise. A recent poll by NFU Mutual reveals that 89% of respondents believe inflation will lead to an increase in rural crime.

“Crime in the countryside causes high levels of anxiety and disruption, with many farmers and rural home owners feeling vulnerable due to their isolated location. The knowledge that determined thieves are scouring the countryside looking for targets, and returning to carry out night-time raids can lead to sleepless nights for people in remote areas.

“NFU Mutual is responding by helping those living and working in rural areas to put in place effective security measures and by continuing to provide major support to enable dedicated police resources to tackle crime.”

Rebecca added: “As each farm or home is different, every property needs a different approach to keeping thieves out – and there’s an armoury of measures to help do so, from traditional fortification, to technology using movement sensors, to community information networks.”

Following increased investment with the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) and one-off grants to help police tackle GPS theft, NFU Mutual saw the cost of this crime fall by almost half to £1.5m in 2021.

The latest crime wave has prompted the insurer to issue urgent advice and a series of videos to help farmers take action to protect their property. New advice is also available in NFU Mutual’s 2022 Rural Crime report

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