'This is serious organised crime': Shropshire farming leader tells of 'constant worry'

The National Farmers Union’s (NFU) county advisor for Shropshire, Edward Garratt, has been speaking about the profound issue of rural crime, as the Shropshire Star continues its awareness campaign on the issue this November.

Mr Garratt, who himself farms pedigree Jacob sheep on The Wrekin, near Telford, said rural crime is “widespread” in the county.

He also reminded people unfamiliar with the industry that a farm is more than just a workplace.

“You have got to remember that with a farm, it is not just a business, it is also someone’s home - they live there,” he said.

“So it is not usually just the financial loss of the crime that is the worst case effect, it is also how they are affected psychologically, mentally, and, I hate to say it, sometimes physically, because there have been confrontations.”

Rural crime, which can be machinery, equipment, and livestock theft, as well as matters like hare coursing, cost the Midlands £6.4 million in 2025, according to the NFU Mutual’s annual rural crime report.

But the struggle between criminals, farmers and law enforcement takes its toll on the person too - even Mr Garratt has felt the pressure.

Echoing the sentiments of Oswestry farmer, Andrew Morris - the rural crime victim we spoke to last week - Mr Garratt said: “It is a constant worry of who is there.

“It is strange, we farm in a very public area, and when we are working with the sheep on the side of the road or something, one of the joys of the job is actually talking to the public and talking about it [farming].

“But when you suddenly get people walking around the place, you wonder, who are they? What are they here for? And it puts you on edge quite a lot.”

Asked about whether he thinks enough is being done by the authorities to tackle rural crime, Mr Garratt was careful not to attack the police for their work on the issue. He said the NFU has a good relationship with the force.

Whilst he did point out that West Mercia Police only has a limited rural crime team - just two officers - he was more interested in pointing to the work of the NFU in lobbying the government for tougher legislation on the issue as evidence of action.

His advice to farmers? He said: “Certainly do not get involved. Do not ever take action yourself. These are serious organised criminal gangs - they will not hesitate to retaliate or defend themselves.

“But think about the physical security of the farm - think about cameras, think about lights, do lock up. I still see farm workshops that do not even have a door, let alone a lock.”

He added: “The real key thing is: ring the police.”

Pressed about if it is hard to shift the mindsets of farmers in Shropshire to the fact that their farmyards are not necessarily safe from crime anymore, he said: “I think people are waking up to the fact [things have changed]. Unfortunately, to use an old-fashioned phrase, a lot of it [action] is after the horse has bolted.

“They do not think about it until they have been a victim.

“I think we need to use that word a bit more: they are victims of organised crime.

“This is not kids going out and nicking stuff. This is not the old-fashioned burglar. This is proper serious organised crime.”

Mr Garratt’s parting message to farmers at the end of our interview? He said: “Be vigilant. Keep your eyes open. Do find out if you have got a local WhatsApp group [for rural crime], they are really good.”

He added: “Work with your neighbours. Talk to people. Farming is an isolating business, but for rural crime, it is important that we work together.”

As November unfolds, a series of features about the plight of rural crime will be appearing within the pages of the newspaper, and on our website.

This is because as a news outlet that serves one of the most rural communities in the United Kingdom, we believe that raising awareness of rural crime, and highlighting its impacts on the public - and our readers - is key as we head towards the end of 2026.