Rural crime costs 'demoralise' farmers

Farmers have said the rising cost of rural crime is becoming "demoralising".

Berkshire farmer Hollie Levinge told the BBC she experienced crime on average seven times a year and had to take a part-time job to "plug the gap" on losses.

Figures from insurer NFU Mutual suggested rural crime went up by more than 100% in the county between 2023 and 2024 - but that overall figures were down 20% in the south east as a whole.

The Home Office said it had put £365,000 into the National Rural Crime Unit, which was helping to "target serious organised crime groups".

Ms Levinge said: "You name [the crime] we probably experienced it."

She said her quad bike was stolen earlier in the year.

"I take measures, I try and hide things, I try and increase security but [criminals] are quite determined," she said.

More than £4m worth of stolen agricultural vehicles and machinery seized was recovered across the UK last year, according to NFU Mutual.

"All these unforeseen costs eat away any sort of profit that you may have so you end up forking up [money]".

Ms Levinge said this prevented her from buying essentials for the farm.

"It is demoralising," she added.

Windsor-based Farmer Colin Rayner said it was becoming unviable to farm in the Thames Valley.

"We lost £18,000 of tools out of our workshops a year ago.

"We have tractors stolen, we've had quadbikes stolen and it is quite frightening.

"If you do catch them on your farm, they are violent and riskless and they will smash into your car to get out if you try to block them in.

"It is terrifying for every farmer in Berkshire".

Matthew Barber, the police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley, said: "It is always a challenge when you get hold of someone - what is the penalty for that?"

"There's lots of people who don't see the risk and the effect of rural crime," he said.

"The fear [of crime] is a real issue. The level of intimidation would often take place in isolated communities - people feel very vulnerable."

Mr Barber said the reduction of rural crime in the south east reflected the work of the rural crime unit and collaboration of other forces to keep crime down.

A Home Office spokesperson said, "We have committed to implementing the Equipment Theft Act and will engage with those most affected to inform next steps."

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