Farming: Cost of rural crime in NI more than £2m in 2025, says NFU Mutual
NFU Mutual's research, which is based on claims made to the company, found that across the UK the estimated costs associated with rural crime have fallen to £41.5m in 2025 from £44.1m in 2024.Among its findings were that there was a large rise in the number of quad bikes being stolen, particularly in Northern Ireland, while the theft of global positioning system (GPS) units fell by 80% across the UK.That followed a focus on the issue by law enforcement and the agricultural industry.It also said livestock crime has become "highly organised".Finlay said the theft of animals can take a particular toll on farmers."It's really hard potentially to replace some of the bloodlines and some of the attachment that is linked to those animals."There is the mental impact and I think when family farms feel targeted, they feel apprehensive, they feel nervousness, that potentially they're being stalked, they're being watched."And that's a really uncomfortable place to be, considering that your workplace is your home."She said a large proportion of farmers feel they're being targeted "repeatedly", adding to the pressure they are under.
