Cost of rural crime falls in South West

Rural crime cost Devon & Cornwall £750,000 in 2014, down from £1.1 million in 2013. Despite the fall, 2014 saw thieves continue to target expensive all terrain vehicles (ATVs) as well as tools.

The figures are part of a UK-wide survey by NFU Mutual. The leading rural insurer’s annual Rural Crime Survey shows the nationwide cost of rural crime totalled an estimated £37.8 million in 2014 – a 15% reduction on last year’s figures.

The items most commonly targeted by thieves across Devon & Cornwall over the last 12 months were ATVs such as quad-bikes, tools, garden equipment and machinery.

Reflecting the changing nature of rural crime, in a survey of NFU Mutual’s nationwide network of branch offices, 63% of those surveyed said that cybercrime is a growing problem for rural communities while recent claims data also shows thieves are taking advantage of new targets such as solar panels.

Jeremy Atkins, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Devon, said: “That there’s been an overall decline in the cost of rural crime over the last 12 months is welcome news and reflects the huge efforts being made by communities and others to tackle this problem. Initiatives aimed at reducing livestock theft and installing CESAR tracking for agricultural vehicles are having a real impact and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals.

“That said, problem areas remain and thieves continue to exploit weaknesses such as around ATVs and tools.

“So, while today’s survey contains some good news, it also highlights the need for rural communities to remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds.”

For more information visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime