A new South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative will help tackle issues NFU members are facing including machinery theft, vandalism, fly tipping and anti social behaviour which continue to blight rural communities.
Backed by £443,000 from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), the initiative will support county farmers and rural businesses to install crime prevention equipment such as CCTV, drones, security lighting and signage, with tailored guidance from South Yorkshire Police rural crime officers.
The NFU has repeatedly highlighted how rural crime disrupts farming life, leaving a lasting emotional toll on those who work tirelessly to produce food and care for the countryside.
Yorkshire West Riding County Chair Richard Pears said: “Rural crime is one of the biggest pressures farmers face. Not only does it impact businesses’ ability to produce food but, leaves many feeling unsafe in their own homes.
“This initiative is a direct response to those concerns, and we welcome this investment in practical on farm security measures and improved policing activity.
“The NFU will continue to work closely with South Yorkshire Police to ensure farmers’ voices remain at the heart of this work, and to make sure these measures deliver real, lasting benefits for rural communities.”
South Yorkshire Police’s rural crime lead, Chief Inspector Peter Spratt said: “The South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative has been launched in direct response to the issues we know disproportionately affect rural communities.
“Rural crime causes misery to our hardworking farmers and landowners, leaving so many feeling isolated and intimidated. We will not tolerate this.
"Alongside this new initiative, we are increasing our visibility, improving our response and supporting our rural community to invest in prevention measures such as drones, GPS tracking and CCTV to help us identify those committing these crimes.”
Championing stronger protections for farmers
Yorkshire West Riding County Adviser Jennifer Costello added: "The NFU continues to champion stronger protections for farmers in our rural communities. We will continue to work with the police and others and lobby for additional resources so officers can clamp down on the issue and offenders.
“Machinery and livestock theft through to hare coursing, fly-tipping, livestock worrying and other crimes seriously disrupt rural businesses.
“I urge NFU members to work with the police, continue to report incidents and feed in essential intelligence to help safeguard businesses, communities and the countryside.”
The NFU will work closely with South Yorkshire Police and members, strengthening engagement and supporting targeted enforcement and joint operations with councils and community partners.
