Rural crime is becoming 'more organised, sophisticated and determined' - as the cost to farmers rose by 18 per cent in Dorset last year.

Farming insurance firm NFU Mutual’s new report into rural crime has revealed that the cost rose from around £347,000 to an estimated £410,000 last year for farmers in the county.

In a sign of the increasing organisation and sophistication of criminals, Global Positioning System (GPS) units were again targeted by gangs throughout 2023.

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Thieves frequently target several farms in one night before moving locations to steal these highly valuable and portable kits, often revisiting farmyards weeks later to steal any replacements.

The high-tech equipment typically costs £10,000 and is used to guide tractors and combine harvesters to improve accuracy. Without it, farmers and agricultural contractors can face severe delays and disruption to harvesting and cultivating work.

Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were also top targets for rural thieves.

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Livestock theft also remained high in 2023, at an estimated cost of £2.7m across the UK.

Matt Uren, senior agent at NFU Mutual Dorchester, said: “All the indications suggest rural crime is becoming more organised, sophisticated and determined in its nature, which is incredibly alarming for people who live and work in the countryside.

“While the overall cost of agricultural vehicle theft fell, thanks to co-ordinated efforts, it is concerning to see GPS thefts rocket up and quad bikes being increasingly targeted, with thieves turning to technology to scope out locations. 

READ: Dorset Police 'week of action' to crack down on rural crime

“It’s the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home."

To help farmers and rural communities protect their livelihoods from the threat posed by organised crime, NFU Mutual has provided more than £1m since 2021 in support for initiatives to tackle rural crime.

In 2023, it became a major funder of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU). Formally established last April, the unit is staffed by police officers with experience in detecting and preventing rural crime, with investigative powers to track and intercept stolen machinery and equipment.

READ: Dorset Police rural crime team recover stolen tractor

And in 2024, NFU Mutual has funded the UK’s first livestock theft officer at the NRCU to tackle this upsetting crime.

Mr Uren added: “It’s so important for insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police and politicians to continue to work together to provide a united response to the challenge presented by both organised criminals and opportunistic thieves.

“We will also continue to support farmers directly to help protect their livelihoods, offer expertise as the main insurer of farmers and provide advice to tackle rural crime.”