PROTECT YOUR FARM & EQUIPMENT

Rural crime costs UK farmers millions each year and disrupts vital food production – which is why it’s a priority for the police here in Humberside, and also across the country.

According to NFU Mutual’s latest report, rural crime cost the UK £44.1 million in 2024, with organised gangs increasingly targeting farms for high-value machinery, livestock, and fuel. 

Beyond financial losses, these crimes cause emotional stress, operational delays, and rising insurance premiums, making prevention a top priority for every farming business.

Rural crime is not new, but the way criminals operate has changed, with the development of technology bringing new threats. Today, the most common types of rural crime include machinery theft, livestock theft and livestock worrying. 

Our response at Humberside Police has continued to evolve to meet that challenge – and the security measures available to you are improving too.

Practical steps to protect your farm

While rural crime is a serious threat, it is preventable. I understand the demands on time in farming, not forgetting the costs of security systems - but the need for strong crime prevention has never been so relevant.

Protect buildings and equipment

Invest in surveillance

Mark and track assets

Community collaboration

Report every incident

The biggest request I ask is that you report every incident, no matter how small or irrelevant you might think it is. The sighting of a vehicle on the drive, the person flying a drone nearby, a vehicle passing several times. This could be a small but vital piece of evidence we need.

The more information we have, the better able we are to deploy police resources where they will make a real difference.

Recognise

Be alert:

Record

If you notice something suspicious:

Report

Communication is the key

I understand the misery that criminal gangs cause to hardworking farmers, gamekeepers and landowners, often leaving them feeling intimidated by their actions.

My team are passionate about rural life, as well as the area we serve. 

Week in week out we will continue to do all we can to make people who live and work in rural areas feel safe and bring the criminals who think it’s acceptable to target them to justice.

Rural crime is evolving, but together we can help reduce the impact. Communication is the key.  Together we can reduce risk by recognising, recording and reporting even the smallest of things.

And remember: prevention is always cheaper than replacing stolen equipment or livestock.

Sergeant Kevin Jones

Humberside Police Rural Task Force