Cost of rural crime falls across the Midlands and Wales
NFU Mutual’s annual rural crime report shows a fall in the cost of rural crime across the UK
The cost of rural crime is falling across the UK, with the Midlands and Wales seeing the largest falls of any region in the country, new figures reveal.
The cost of rural crime to Midlands farmers fell from £8.1 million in 2024 to £6.4 million in 2025, a drop of 21 per cent, according to NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Report, which was published on Thursday.
A similar 21 per cent fall to the cost of rural crime has been reported in Wales, with £2.8 million reported in 2024 down to £2.2million.
These represent the largest falls in the cost of rural crime of any region in the UK excluding Northern Ireland.
Across the UK, the figures show rural crime costs fell by 6 per cent over the 12 months between 2024 and 2025.
However, Robyn Munt, NFU vice chair said, the picture is more nuanced.
She said: “While last year the cost of rural crime in the UK fell by 6 per cent to £41.5 million, in certain areas there was a staggering increase. Agricultural vehicle theft claims rose by 18 per cent while livestock theft claims increased by 30 per cent.
“These figures highlight an evolving threat to farming communities, and it isn’t just financial. Nearly 30 per cent of NFU Mutual Agents surveyed reported that farmers are changing their practices or leaving the industry altogether as a direct result of rural crime.
”This is a stark reminder that behind every statistic is a farmer, a family, and a livelihood under strain.
“Above all, we must not feel we have to face these challenges alone, because tackling rural crime is not just about protecting farms, it is about protecting the people who feed the nation.”
She added that more collaboration is needed to combat rural crime.
“Our farms are not just workplaces – they are homes,” she said. “When rural crime occurs, it does not just result in added financial loss and pressure, it undermines security, confidence and wellbeing. It leaves us feeling vulnerable in the very place we should feel safest.
“Tackling rural crime starts with recognising it as a serious issue affecting people. It requires stronger collaboration between farmers, police and communities, supported by better reporting systems, improved intelligence sharing and policing that understands the realities of rural areas.”
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