Sevenfold rise in livestock theft hits South East farms

This warning comes as new figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual reveal that the cost of rural crime in the South East dropped by four per cent in 2025 to £6.8 million, thanks to a collaborative approach from the farming industry, law enforcement, and insurers.

However, despite the overall decline, including a 31 per cent reduction across all areas of vehicle theft, the area saw a sevenfold increase in livestock thefts, reflecting a highly organised approach by criminals.

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.”

NFU Mutual worked with local police forces to install 13 ANPR cameras across rural hotspots in England and Wales to track suspicious vehicles and disrupt criminal activity.

Hannah Binns, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Rural crime is more organised than ever, with criminals prepared to go to extreme lengths, and 2025 proved no exception.

“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.”

Nationally, rural crime cost the UK an estimated £41.5 million in 2025.