New research from NFU Mutual indicates that rural crime is rising - with a sharp increase in expensive tractors thefts at the forefront of the trend.
The insurer’s claims figures show a 5.5% increase in machinery thefts across the UK in 2009, estimated to have cost the industry £42.2 million. That figure was £30.28m in 2008, demonstrating the impact of a recent wave of high value targets.
In a new report, NFU Mutual notes that during the last two years there has been a significant increase in the number of tractors being stolen ‘to order’ often for immediate export from channel ports to destinations including Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
The insurer, manufacturers and police have worked together to help put in place CESAR registration for tractors and in approving a range of immobilisers and tracker devices for use on agricultural machinery. It is offering premium discounts of up to 27.5% when these measures are fitted.
Other findings from the NFU Mutual National Rural Crime Survey 2010 show that:
- 70% of the insurer's 300 branches reported rural crime in their area had increased compared to the same period in 2009. 7% said it decreased, while 23% reported the same level as 2009.
- 71% of branches said that they believed rural crime was planned.17% said it was opportunist crime and 12% said it was a mixture of both.
- Almost two thirds of branches (63%) reported that perpetrators were from outside the areas involved. 22% said that while they believed the actual thefts were undertaken by people from outside the area, evidence suggested that in most organised thefts, some degree of ‘local’ knowledge was involved.
- 64% of branches believe that better security measures are the key to reducing rural crime. 18% believe a greater police presence would help reduce rural crime rates. Only 9% believe that membership of a ‘watch’ scheme will help.
The survey also identified a number of emerging trends, demonstrating the changing nature of rural crime – and gave names to some of the top tactics used by thieves.
STRIP AND SHIP - These vehicles are being taken from fields, driveways and car parks and quickly stored in warehouses, where they are often stripped down to their component parts and shipped overseas to Eastern Europe and the developing world.
LUNCHTIME LOOTERS - Sneaky thieves are pouncing when farmers and gardeners return to the house for lunch, searching unlocked tool workshops and sheds for chain saws, hedge-trimmers and other expensive power tools.
HIDE AND SEEK - Where thieves suspect tractors, quad bikes or motor vehicles are fitted with tracker devices they will often hide them in a remote area to see if the item is recovered by the police. If, within a couple of days, the stolen item has not been recovered thieves can be pretty confident it does not have a tracker device fitted.
GOING, GOING, GONE - Power tools and riding tack have proven to be highly desirable for thieves in the East Midlands as they are portable and easy to sell on. Research suggests many of these items are often sold on at car boot sales and on internet auction sites.
The Rural Crime ‘Top Ten’
1. Quad Bikes
2. Power Tools
3. Land Rovers/ 4X4’s
4. Tractors
5. Trailers
6. Fuel
7. Scrap Metal
8. Lawnmowers/garden tools
9. Horse tack
10. Livestock
The NFU Mutual web site - www.nfumutual.co.uk includes detailed advice on improving your farm security.
NFU Mutual is The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. A member of the Association of British Insurers.
- Hugh Jefferson - 30/07/2010
Horse & Hound carried the same report where the NFU recommended using www.itsbeennicked.co.uk before buying any second hand goods and to report all stolen items.