Rural communities are under siege from rising crime, and farmers are paying the price. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is calling for immediate and decisive action from Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and government to address the growing wave of equipment theft, livestock worrying and fly-tipping that is threatening livelihoods and food production across the country.

As Spring approaches and the farming calendar enters a busy period, incidents of equipment theft, livestock theft and livestock worrying are increasing nationally. Recent figures from Defra¹ show over a million incidents of fly-tipping in the past year – a six percent rise on the previous period – highlighting the growing challenges rural communities face. Alongside fly-tipping, there has been a disturbing rise in machinery theft, fuel theft and incidents of hare coursing, which continue to cause distress and financial losses for farmers.

In April last year, the government announced its rural crime strategy to stamp out crime and disorder, something which the NFU has long been calling for. The strategy included tougher measures to crack down on criminal activities such as equipment theft, sheep worrying and fly-tipping. The NFU is calling on the government to implement clear and practical recommendations to tackle rural crime2, including:

• Increased funding for rural policing and dedicated rural crime teams

• Greater use of technology, such as CCTV and vehicle trackers, to prevent theft

• Stronger penalties and more consistent sentencing for rural crime offences

• Better support for victims of rural crime

• Improved collaboration between police, local authorities and rural communities

The NFU is also urging members to contribute to its response to the Sentencing Council’s consultation on new guidelines for dealing with hare coursing offences3.

NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said:

“Farmers are bearing the brunt of rural crime. It’s not just an inconvenience – it’s devastating for farm businesses, families, and the wider rural community. The theft of essential equipment and livestock, relentless fly-tipping, and the growing menace of hare coursing leave farmers feeling vulnerable and unsupported. And this is happening at a time when family farms are already under immense pressure from soaring input costs, extreme weather events, and the looming burden of the family farm tax. We’ve been calling for action for years – now we need real results."

“We need more investment in rural policing, tougher penalties, and consistent sentencing for those who target our communities, as outlined in the government’s own rural crime strategy. Farmers are proud of their work to feed the nation, and they deserve to feel safe in their homes and businesses. PCCs and government must step up and deliver the support our sector desperately needs."

“But this isn’t just about government – the public has an important role to play too. We urge people to take precautions when walking near livestock, ensure their dogs are under control, and report any suspicious activity they see. By working together, we can help protect our countryside and those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.”