Rural crime cost the North East £7.6m in 2025, new NFU Mutual report reveals

The increased cost of rural crime in North East of England contrasts the UK-wide figures published in NFU Mutual’s new report, which reveals that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £41.5m in 2025, down from £44.1m the previous year.

Criminals continued to target high value farming equipment and stock throughout the UK in 2025, with the cost of agricultural vehicle, quad bike, and livestock theft all increasing last year.

The North East saw a 19% increase in agricultural vehicle thefts, including a large rise in the cost of stolen excavators and dumpers.

These vehicles are essential for farmers to manage and maintain their land, and a theft can be hugely disruptive. Unfortunately, they are also valuable pieces of equipment which make them attractive targets for organised criminals.

Quad bike theft also continued to be a problem in the North East. This is particularly concerning for farmers, where a significant proportion of farmland is given over to upland grazing for livestock, making quad bikes an essential tool to get around the farm.

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.”

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.

“Targeted investment in rural crime fighting initiatives and industry collaboration with law enforcement is essential in responding to this relatively new threat, and it is helping drive down crime in many areas. However, the increased cost of rural crime to farmers in the North East of England shows that we cannot afford to be complacent, and that organised criminals will continue to find new ways to target farmers.

“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.”