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Farms and remote landscapes face isolated and vulnerable conditions making them prime targets for crime. And from farmers to supply chains, the impact of rural crime reaches far and wide, affecting insurance premiums and even the cost of our food.
Cutting-edge technology can scale crime-prevention activities to make them more effective and efficient. From smart surveillance systems, drones and night-vision monitoring, tech can be the ultimate ally in safeguarding our farms and rural businesses.
What is rural crime?
Rural crimes fall into four broad categories – agricultural, equine, wildlife and heritage, alongside environmental crimes such as illegal waste-dumping and water pollution.
Agricultural crimes can range from theft of farm machinery and fuel to livestock worrying, criminal damage, and cyber attacks.
In 2023, NFU Mutual, the UK’s leading rural insurer, released a Rural Crime Report to highlight its true cost to the UK. Livestock rustling, quad and ATV theft are some significant examples that contribute to the total loss of over £49.5m in 2022.
Combating rural crime
Agri-TechE is excited to share insights into the latest technologies that can aid in crime prevention and help farmers safeguard their assets and wildlife at our event Protect, Prevent and Retrieve: Agri-Tech to Reduce Rural Crime.
To address these challenges, experts recommend a focus on crime prevention to protect rural businesses and farms. PC Chris Shelley of Norfolk Police’s Rural Crime Team explains:
“Obviously our preference is the prevention of crime in the first place, and I am excited to learn about any technologies that can help farmers protect themselves from being targeted.
But given the pace of new technology development, both farmers and police increasingly have ever-more sophisticated tools which help identify criminals, watch over farm assets and wildlife as well as tracking and tracing stolen goods.”
Rural Crime (Strategy) Bill
As well as equipping individuals with the technology to protect against and prevent rural crime, policy and unified policing strategies have an important role to play.
In July 2023, the Rural Crime (Strategy) Bill was presented to parliament. The Bill would require the Secretary of State to establish a task force to produce and implement a strategy for tackling rural crime.
In the interim, some constabularies have established dedicated teams for tackling rural crime – as in Norfolk’s Operation Randall.
Agri-TechE event ‘Protect, Prevent and Retrieve: Agri-Tech to Reduce Rural Crime’
At this online event we’ll explore the latest innovations in rural security that are revolutionising the way we protect our businesses, livestock, machinery, and people.
We have gathered a panel of experts and law enforcement professionals who will share their knowledge and experiences related to rural crime. We will also showcase real-life farmer case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of agri-tech solutions.
In collaboration with Norfolk County Council and AF Group, and featuring insights from the Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner, this event promises to be an engaging and eye-opening discussion.
Whether you’ve been a victim of rural crime, want to proactively protect your assets or you have technology and solutions to offer, this event will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips in effectively taking your next steps.
Join us at our free online event on October 12, 5-6.30pm – head over to our booking page to sign up for Protect, Prevent & Retrieve: Agri-Tech to Reduce Rural Crime.
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