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HomeFarming News‘One farmer falling victim to rural crime is still one too many’
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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‘One farmer falling victim to rural crime is still one too many’

The cost of rural theft in Northern Ireland fell by close to 37% (an estimated £2.1million) last year.

The UFU said that while this is “positive”, NFU Mutual’s rural crime report highlights that thieves still targeted farmers during the pandemic.

Rural theft in Northern Ireland

UFU deputy president David Brown said:

“The impact of lockdown, thorough on-farm security and rural policing, has created a significant drop in relation to the cost of rural theft.”

“However, one farmer falling victim to rural crime is still one too many. Sadly, criminals continued to steal agriculture vehicles, livestock and equipment.”

“This time of the year is extremely busy for our members. We urge them to ensure their security is as tight as it possibly can be at all times and to be extra vigilant as restrictions continue to ease.”

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“With so much going on, things can slip easily. What may seem like a small lapse can end up becoming a serious financial hit if farming machinery or animals are stolen.”

“Not to mention the toll it can take on the farmer’s mental health and how it can affect the entire family.”

Simple measures to help prevent rural theft:

  • Check livestock regularly;
  • Lock unused vehicles;
  • Store equipment in secure sheds.
Fly-tipping and livestock worrying

As a result of COVID-19, farmers across Northern Ireland witnessed an increase in visitors to the countryside over the last year.

The report shows that because of this, other crimes such as fly-tipping and livestock worrying has also increased.

“It’s extremely disheartening that our farmers were not given the respect they deserve from some countryside visitors during the pandemic.”

“The rural landscape is there for everyone to enjoy. Unfortunately, a number of our members were left to clean rubbish off their land, which had the potential to harm livestock and the environment.”

“Others had the horrific experience of dealing with a worrying livestock attack.”

The UFU encourages members who experience rural theft, fly-tipping or livestock worrying to report it to the PSNI or local dog warden.

To help combat rural theft in Northern Ireland, NFU Mutual is providing additional support. NFU Mutual is providing funding worth £30,000 to help clamp down on rural theft.

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