From Westminster to Dublin, and from discussions on rural crime data to tackling organised criminal networks, NFU Chief Land Management Adviser Sam Durham has been representing members’ interests and highlighting the unique challenges faced by those living and working in the countryside.
NFU Mutual report launch
The month began on 3 June with the launch of NFU Mutual’s latest Rural Crime Report, an important annual snapshot of the scale and impact of crime affecting rural communities.
At the event, NFU and NFU Mutual discussed the report’s findings and what more can be done to tackle rural crime with a range of MPs from different parties.
The report once again highlighted the significant financial and emotional costs that rural crime places on farming businesses, from theft and fly-tipping to organised machinery and vehicle crime.
Taking action on catapult misuse
On 9 June, attention turned to a growing concern among NFU members: the antisocial and criminal misuse of catapults.
Sam attended a Home Office roundtable chaired by Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP, bringing together stakeholders to discuss the increasing use of catapults as weapons.
Farmers have reported a rise in incidents where catapults have been used to injure livestock, target wildlife and cause criminal damage to property. These attacks not only result in financial losses but also raise serious animal welfare concerns.
During the discussion, the NFU highlighted members’ experiences and reiterated its call for catapults to be added to the list of offensive weapons. The union believes stronger controls are needed to help police prevent misuse and provide greater protection for rural communities affected by this behaviour.
Delivering for rural communities
The following day, on 10 June, Sam attended a rural crime roundtable as part of the independent review of police force structures, chaired by former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Hogan-Howe.
The roundtable examined potential future reforms to policing structures, including discussions around the possibility of larger regional police forces. While recognising the need for effective and efficient policing, the NFU stressed the importance of ensuring that any future reforms deliver for rural communities as well as urban areas.
Rural crime often presents unique challenges, with larger geographic areas to police, isolated communities and specialist criminal activity targeting farms and rural businesses.
The NFU’s message was clear: any changes to police structures must not come at the expense of local knowledge, rural expertise and dedicated rural policing resources.
The discussion provided an important opportunity to ensure the realities of policing Britain’s countryside were represented as policymakers consider potential long-term reforms.
International cooperation
On 17 June, Sam travelled to Ireland for the inaugural meeting of the European Rural Crime Network at Maynooth University, County Kildare.
Hosted by the IFA (Irish Farmers’ Association), the event brought together law enforcement agencies, policymakers, government representatives and non-governmental organisations from across Europe to discuss the growing threat of organised crime in rural areas.
Many of the criminal groups targeting farms operate across borders, meaning effective cooperation between countries is becoming increasingly important.
Discussions focused on how better coordination between European law enforcement agencies, governments, policymakers and industry bodies can help identify criminal networks, share intelligence and improve prevention strategies.
The meeting reinforced a key message: international organised crime requires an international response. Stronger collaboration across Europe will be essential in protecting rural communities from increasingly sophisticated criminal activity.
Rural crime a priority
June’s programme of activity demonstrates the importance of ensuring rural crime remains a priority at every level of policymaking.
Whether influencing government discussions on offensive weapons legislation, contributing to debates on policing reform, or helping build new international partnerships, the NFU continues to advocate for practical solutions that protect farmers and rural businesses.
As rural crime evolves, so too must the response. By engaging with ministers, police leaders and international partners, the NFU is working to ensure the voices of its members are heard and that rural communities receive the protection and support they deserve.
