Big rise in rural crime costs Nottinghamshire more than £1 million

A new report reveals rural crime in Nottinghamshire rose by 49.2 per cent last year – costing the county more than £1 million.
By John Smith
Published 4th Aug 2020, 12:02 BST
Updated 4th Aug 2020, 16:23 BST
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The report, by insurers NFU Mutual shows that, across the UK, rural crime cost £54 million in 2019, an increase of almost nine per cent on the previous year.

The rise is being driven by organised criminal gangs targeting high value tractors, quad bikes and large numbers of livestock.

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While there have been some reductions in crime under lockdown, there are concerns that rural theft is now set to escalate as the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic bites.

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Tractors have been one of the main targets for thieves as the rural crime rate has risenTractors have been one of the main targets for thieves as the rural crime rate has risen
Tractors have been one of the main targets for thieves as the rural crime rate has risen

Rebecca Davidson, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Rural crime is like a wave as organised criminality spreads through our villages and farms, affecting everyone in the countryside.

“As well as the financial cost, there’s a serious effect on the mental well-being of people living in rural and often isolated areas.

"There are fears that the impact will be felt harder this year as farmers have been working flat-out to feed the nation and many rural communities have been put under additional pressure by the challenges brought by Covid-19.

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“There’s no doubt that organised criminal gangs are targeting our countryside again.

"These figures would be much higher if it weren’t for specialist rural crime teams in police forces, and improved farm security measures such as trackers for tractors and quads.”

Sergeant Christian Hurley, of Nottinghamshire Police, commented: “Nottinghamshire Police recognises the impact which rural crime has on communities and works closely with its partners to tackle this issue.

“We engage with farmers, landowners and rural communities to share crime prevention advice, provide reassurance and increase awareness of issues.

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“We also take a range of enforcement action including operations to tackle issues such as illegal off-road biking, anti-social behaviour, speeding on rural roads, fly-tipping and illegal hunting and poaching.

“We will continue to work through both prevention and enforcement to ensure that crime has as little impact as possible on our rural communities.”