Rural crime fell by 6% to an estimated £41.5 million last year – but farmers and landowners should remain vigilant, say insurers.
Investment in policing, technology and industry collaboration helped curb losses from organised criminal activity – extending the downward trend, according to the latest annual figures from NFU Mutual.
The insurer said targeted spending and closer cooperation between farmers, police and manufacturers were helping to disrupt criminal gangs operating in the countryside. But it said criminals were still targeting high value vehicles and livestock.
In England, the Midlands saw the largest decrease, falling 21% to an estimated £6.4m. Eastern England, including East Anglia, saw among the smallest decrease – a 6% drop to £5.9m.
A survey of 119 NFU Mutual Agents, who are often embedded in their local communities, found that 91% believed rural crime was disrupting farming in their area, and 79% knew farmers who had been targeted repeatedly.
NFU Mutual invested more than £500,000 in rural crime initiatives last year, including continued support for the National Rural Crime Unit and the UK’s first dedicated livestock theft officer.
Changing Patterns
Agricultural vehicle theft claims rose 18% to an estimated £8.3 million in 2025. And the insurer also worked with police forces to install 13 automatic number plate recognition cameras across rural hotspots.
The cost of quad bike and all-terrain vehicle thefts increased by 31% to £3.5 million. Their mobility and practicality make them essential on many farms, particularly in upland areas, but also attractive targets for organised thieves.
Livestock theft also increased sharply. The estimated cost of stolen animals rose by almost 30% to £4.5 million. Meanwhile, livestock worth an estimated £1.95 million were severely injured or killed in dog attacks, up 10% on 2024.
NFU Mutual chief executive Nick Turner said: “For more than 20 years, NFU Mutual has called for a stronger response to rural crime, and we know the financial and emotional toll it takes on farmers.
Recovery Focus
“As a mutual, our support goes beyond paying claims: last year we invested over £500,000 in rural crime initiatives, including ongoing funding for the National Rural Crime Unit and the UK’s first dedicated livestock theft officer. We also collaborate with the unit to identify at-risk areas and support recovery efforts.”
Industry efforts also helped recover stolen property. Collaboration between insurers, police and enforcement agencies resulted in £9.3 million worth of stolen agricultural vehicles and machinery being seized and recovered during the year.
GPS thefts, once a major concern for arable farmers, fell dramatically. Claims costs dropped 80% year on year to almost £250,000, reflecting increased equipment marking and tighter security measures.
The figures suggest preventative measures can have a significant impact when widely adopted across the industry.
Future Challenges
Despite the fall in overall losses, experts warn against complacency. NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “Rural crime is more organised than ever, with criminals prepared to go to extreme lengths, and 2025 proved no exception.
“Yet targeted investment in rural crime fighting initiatives alongside industry collaboration with law enforcement is helping drive down crime, with our latest figures highlighting a 6% fall year-on-year to an estimated £41.5m. Although we cannot afford to be complacent, two years of declining costs suggests the additional funding and focus that is being placed on this issue is working.”
The insurer said forthcoming policing reforms must ensure specialist rural crime teams receive sufficient resources to tackle increasingly organised criminal gangs operating in the countryside.