The cost of rural crime across the South East fell by 4% last year to an estimated £6.8million, according to new figures released by NFU Mutual – although livestock theft has risen dramatically.
The UK’s leading rural insurer says the reduction reflects the impact of increased investment and closer collaboration between farmers, insurers and police forces in tackling organised and serious countryside crime.
The latest figures, published on Thursday (28th May), show rural crime across the UK cost an estimated £41.5million in 2025, down from £44.1million the previous year.
Despite the overall reduction, organised criminal gangs continue to target the countryside for valuable farming equipment, vehicles and livestock.
In the South East, the estimated cost of vehicle theft fell by 31% across all categories. However, livestock theft increased 7-fold during 2025, with NFU Mutual warning the crime has become increasingly organised.
The insurer says the theft of farm animals can have a devastating emotional and financial impact on farming families due to the long-term investment involved in rearing livestock.
Nick Turner, Chief Executive of NFU Mutual, has 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.
Article continues below this advertisement “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.
“We also collaborate with the unit to identify at-risk areas and support recovery efforts.”
NFU Mutual also confirmed it had worked with local police forces to install 13 ANPR cameras across rural hotspots in England and Wales to help track suspicious vehicles and disrupt criminal activity.
Hannah Binns, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, has said:
“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.
“The impact of rural crime extends beyond financial loss, undermining trust and connection, often leaving a trauma that can remain with farmers, their families and wider communities for a lifetime.”
The report also revealed concerns among those working in rural communities remain high.
A survey of 119 NFU Mutual agents found that 91% believed rural crime was disrupting farming in their area, while 79% said they knew farmers who had been targeted repeatedly.
Alarmingly, almost a third said they had seen farmers either change their working practices or leave the industry altogether because of rural crime.
The survey also found 90% believed rural crime teams needed additional funding and specialist support.
Across the UK, the Midlands and Wales recorded the biggest reductions in rural crime costs, both falling by 21%, while Northern Ireland saw the largest increase at 24%.
