In its 2025 Rural Crime Report, the insurer revealed that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £44.1 million in 2024, down from £52.8m in 2023.
The total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts reported fell by 35% to an estimated £7m last year, with GPS units experiencing the largest cost decline, down 71% to £1.2m following their spike in 2023.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said these new figures demonstrate the “power of collaboration”.
“We’ve seen real progress through years of NFU lobbying – from the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act to hare coursing reforms, and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendments Bill now moving through Parliament,” she added.
Joint efforts saw £4.4m worth of stolen agricultural vehicles and machinery seized and recovered last year, with NFU Mutual working with the NRCU (National Rural Crime Unit) to share claims data and insights, helping to identify areas at risk and theft patterns.
High-value equipment targeted by thieves
Quad bikes and ATVs remained top targets for thieves in 2024 however, despite falling by 16% to an estimated £2.7m.
The estimated cost of tractor thefts reported to NFU Mutual also saw a rise of 17% to £1.5m as criminals sought out machines and their parts.
Likewise, trailer theft made a worrying resurgence, up 15% to £1.3m.
Elsewhere, livestock theft continued to remain high last year, at an estimated cost of £3.4m. NFU Mutual said this form of crime has become 'highly organised', often involving 50 or more sheep in a single raid.
UK farm animals worth an estimated £1.8m were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, down by more than a quarter compared to the previous year.
“These issues go far beyond lost income – they’re about protecting people, communities and the future of British farming.”
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
Protecting people, communities and farming
Rural crime costs are falling “thanks to the coordinated efforts of farmers, police, industry and insurers,” said NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos.
“However, these crimes are still causing real damage in our communities, and the threat remains very real. Long-term support for the National Rural Crime Unit is vital, alongside stronger commitments to cross-county border policing and proper tools and training for local forces.
“Farmers want to feel safe in their homes, their businesses and out in the fields. These issues go far beyond lost income – they’re about protecting people, communities and the future of British farming.”
NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns said: “In recent years we’ve seen rural crime becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent in nature, with thieves willing to pull out all the stops to get what they desire, and sadly we saw that trend continue in 2024.
“Although we must stay alert, it's encouraging to see that the estimated UK cost of rural crime dropped 17% to £44.1m as we continue to collaborate with industry and law enforcement to tackle this urgent issue. But we know there is always work to be done when it comes to rural crime.”
Hannah said co-ordinated efforts from insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police, industry and law makers are “crucial” for delivering a unified response.
“We can see from our new report that this unified response can bear real dividends. United, we can confront rural crime with strength.”
Worst affected counties by cost
Figures fluctuated across the UK, with Wales the only area to see a cost increase, up 18% to £2.8m. Northern Ireland and Scotland saw decreases, down 9% and 33% to £1.8m and £1.2m, respectively.
In England, the Midlands saw the largest decrease, falling 31% to £8.1m.
| Region or County | Cost in 2024 | Cost in 2023 | % Change from 2023 |
| East | £6.3m | £7.1m | -11% |
| Midlands | £8.1m | £11.7m | -31% |
| North East | £7.1m | £8.6m | -17% |
| North West | £2.9m | £3.2m | -11% |
| Northern Ireland | £1.8m | £2m | -9% |
| Scotland | £1.2m | £1.8m | -33% |
| South East | £7.1m | £8.9m | -20% |
| South West | £6.7m | £7m | -4% |
| Wales | £2.8m | £2.4m | +18% |
| Total | £44.1m | £52.8m | -16.5% |
Estimates based on NFU Mutual claims statistics. To read the report in full, visit: NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2025
Of NFU Mutual agents surveyed, 92% believed rural crime was disrupting farming in their area, with 86% saying they knew farmers who had been repeat victims and 96% saying rural crime was negatively affecting farmers' mental wellbeing. The rural insurer urged farmers and their families to voice their concerns and seek support.
Visit our wellbeing directory to find support in your area.
Collaboration is key
NFU Mutual has provided over £400,000 on rural crime fighting initiatives in 2024.
In 2023, NFU Mutual became a major funder of the NRCU (National Rural Crime Unit).
The unit is staffed by police officers with experience in detecting and preventing rural crime, with investigative powers to track and intercept stolen machinery and equipment.
NFU Mutual has also funded the UK’s first livestock theft officer at the NRCU.
