Cost-of-living crisis reported to be linked to rising rural crime in 2022
The new survey by NFU Mutual states rural crime claims in first quarter were 40% higher than in 2021
The annual Rural Crime Report published today reveals that rural crime levels are rising sharply. The first quarter of 2022 suggests a worrying return to pre-pandemic crime levels, with costs up over 40% on the same period in the previous year. Prices are rising, supply chains are straining and crime gangs are more able to travel freely than during the pandemic.
Land Rover Defender theft has risen by a staggering 87%, trailer theft up 5%, and livestock rustling has increased by 3.7%. Dog attacks on animals has seen a reported increase also.
The CLA works closely with the Police and local authorities throughout the year in an effort to continually tackle crime in the countryside. On 4 April this year the CLA was heavily involved with Rural Crime Week of Action, where Police Forces across the country aimed to raise awareness about the efforts being made to tackle rural and wildlife crime effectively, to ensure those living, working in and visiting our countryside feel safe.
One piece of advice from this year's Rural Crime Week was the usage of what3words, a free mobile phone app which reports the location of a rural crime easily and accurately. what3words has given every 3m square in the world a unique 3 word address, so people can communicate any precise location using just three words. This is an easy and effective way of reporting sightings of rural crime to local authorities with pinpoint accuracy.
As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, criminals will be more organised and more determined to carry out their illegal activities
The CLA works closely with the Police and local authorities throughout the year in an effort to continually tackle crime in the countryside. On 4 April this year the CLA was heavily involved with Rural Crime Week of Action, where Police Forces across the country aimed to raise awareness about the efforts being made to tackle rural and wildlife crime effectively, to ensure those living, working in and visiting our countryside feel safe.
One piece of advice from this year's Rural Crime Week was the usage of what3words, a free mobile phone app which reports the location of a rural crime easily and accurately. what3words has given every 3m square in the world a unique 3 word address, so people can communicate any precise location using just three words. This is an easy and effective way of reporting sightings of rural crime to local authorities with pinpoint accuracy.
Responding to the results of the survey, CLA President, Mark Tufnell, said: “Rural crime continues to be a serious issue affecting businesses and communities across the countryside, causing stress and misery to all those affected." Mark added: “As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, criminals will be more organised and more determined to carry out their illegal activities. We urge rural communities to be extra vigilant during this difficult time and encourage anyone bearing witness to such crimes to keep the Police and local authorities informed." Mark assured members that the hard work of the CLA will continue on tackling rural crime by saying: “The CLA continues to work closely with our members, the Police and local authorities to ensure that all those living, working in and visiting our countryside feel safe.”
How to find a what3words address video for media - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JWo66wiZ0HTYI0TxKmLsK8T87O-Z7H86/view?usp=sharing