The cost of rural crime in the South East fell by four per cent last year, according to new figures from NFU Mutual.
The rural insurer says crime cost the region an estimated £6.8 million in 2025, down from £7.1 million the previous year.
The fall mirrors the national picture, with rural crime across the UK dropping from £44.1 million in 2024 to £41.5 million in 2025.
NFU Mutual says coordinated work between farmers, insurers and police has helped reduce the cost of some offences, including thefts of valuable GPS equipment.
However, organised criminals are still targeting the countryside, with thefts of agricultural vehicles, quad bikes and livestock all increasing nationally.
In the South East, vehicle theft fell by 31 per cent across all areas, but the estimated cost of livestock theft increased seven-fold in 2025.
Rearing livestock is a long-term investment of time, planning and labour, and NFU Mutual says the theft of farm animals can be traumatic for farmers and their families, both financially and emotionally.
| Region or Country | 2025 cost | 2024 cost | % change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| East | £5.9m | £6.3m | -6% |
| Midlands | £6.4m | £8.1m | -21% |
| North East | £7.6m | £7.1m | +7% |
| North West | £2.7m | £2.9m | -7% |
| Northern Ireland | £2.2m | £1.8m | +24% |
| Scotland | £1.4m | £1.2m | +14% |
| South East | £6.8m | £7.1m | -4% |
| South West | £6.2m | £6.7m | -8% |
| Wales | £2.2m | £2.8m | -21% |
| UK | £41.5m | £44.1m | -6% |
Estimated costs based on NFU Mutual claims statistics, rounded to the nearest £100,000. Percentage changes are based on exact figures.
Nick Turner, Chief Executive of NFU Mutual, said: “For more than 20 years, NFU Mutual has called for a stronger response to rural crime, and we know the financial and emotional toll it takes on farmers.
“As a mutual, our support goes beyond paying claims: last year we invested over £500,000 in rural crime initiatives, including ongoing funding for the National Rural Crime Unit and the UK’s first dedicated livestock theft officer.”
Hannah Binns, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, added: “Rural crime is more organised than ever, with criminals prepared to go to extreme lengths, and 2025 proved no exception.
“Yet targeted investment in rural crime-fighting initiatives alongside industry collaboration with law enforcement is helping drive down crime, with our latest figures highlighting a 4% fall year-on-year in the South East, to an estimated £6.8m.”
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