We need action now on rural crime, farmers in Shropshire tell police chief
Farmers are urging elected Police and Crime Commissioners to prioritise rural crime as a key issue following the elections.
Shropshire has been hit hard by incidents of rural crime, which has far-reaching consequences, impacting farmers both financially and emotionally.
Machinery theft, fly-tipping, dog attacks on livestock and hare coursing continue to plague farming communities, costing the UK £49.5 million in 2022 alone.
In September, it was revealed how rural theft cost Shropshire an estimated £2 million in 2022 – a rise of more than double from 2021.
Robert Newbery, NFU Midlands regional director, said: “Rural communities are experiencing real problems, and we’ve been making the case to politicians for action for a long time as not only is there an obvious financial cost but it causes business disruption and reduces farmers’ ability to produce food for us all.
