The cost of rural crime in Wales rose 18 per cent to an estimated £2.8m, new figures from NFU Mutual reveal.

Published on Monday, June 16, the new report shows Wales as the only nation to see a cost increase in 2024.

Owen Suckley, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for Wales, said: “In recent years we’ve seen rural crime becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent in nature.

“Despite a rise in Wales, it’s encouraging to see the cost of rural crime across the UK dropped 16.5 per cent to £44.1m as we continue to collaborate with industry and law enforcement to tackle this urgent issue.”

UK claims for agricultural vehicle thefts reported to NFU Mutual cost an estimated £7m last year. Livestock theft remained high in 2024 at an estimated £3.4m, and farm animals severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024 were worth an estimated £1.8m, down by more than a quarter compared to the previous year.

Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remained top targets for thieves. These vehicles are essential for farmers to navigate their fields and complete tasks efficiently, making their theft particularly disruptive, especially during busy seasons.

“Rural crime goes far beyond disrupting farm work and impacting food production, added Mr Suckley. “It has a real impact on the mental wellbeing of farmers and their families, causing severe stress and sleepless nights as the rural community lives in fear that those responsible might return.

“Co-ordinated efforts from insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police, industry and law makers are crucial in delivering a unified response to the rural crime challenge posed by organised criminals and opportunistic thieves.”

For more information, download NFU Mutual’s Rural Crime Report 2025 at www.nfumutual.co.uk/farming/rural-crime. NFU Mutual’s Narberth Branch can be contacted on 01834 889203.