THE cost of rural crime in Somerset rose by 168.7 per cent in 2024 to an estimated £2.1-million as the countryside continues to tackle organised and serious crime, new figures from NFU Mutual reveal.

Published on Monday, June 16, NFU Mutual’s new report reveals that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £44.1-million in 2024, down from £52.8-million the previous year.

Figures fluctuated across counties in the South West region which saw a reduction in the overall cost by four per cent to an estimated £6.7-million

The total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts reported to the UK’s leading rural insurer fell 35 per cent to an estimated £7-million last year, with global positioning system (GPS) units experiencing the largest cost decline, down 71 per cent to £1.2-million following their spike in 2023.

Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remained top targets for thieves, despite falling 16 per cent to an estimated £2.7-million, and livestock theft remained high at an estimated cost of £3.4-million across the UK.

UK farm animals worth an estimated £1.8-million were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, down by more than a quarter compared to the previous year.

Roz Hills, NFU Mutual regional manager for the South West, 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 South West reflected the trend as the cost of rural crime across the UK dropped 16.5 per cent to £44.1-million 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.

“Rural crime goes far beyond disrupting farm work and impacting food production. 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 – and we can see from our new report that this unified response can bear real dividends.

“United, we can confront rural crime with strength.”