Views sought to help shape crime advice

FARMERS and agricultural contractors across the UK are being asked their thoughts on crime prevention to help shape practical advice for policing teams.

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The work is being carried out by Dr Kreseda Smith, a rural criminologist and director of the wider Rural Resilience Research Group at Harper Adams.

It comes as the theft of assets from tractors, quad bikes and ATVs, through to tools, tack and animals is “increasing year on year”, she said.

According to NFU Mutual’s 2025 Rural Crime Report, rural crime cost the UK an estimated £44.1 million in 2024 - down from £52.8 million in 2023. The total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts reported fell by 35% to an estimated £7 million last year.