Farm crime is highest in ABC
This was also the third largest increase in terms of agricultural crime, behind Antrim & Newtownabbey (from three to 22 reported incidents), and Mid & East Antrim (from 16 to 31), according to the figures supplied by CompareNI.com
In 2021/22, the borough was ranked second for agricultural crime (32 reported incidents), well behind league-topper Newry, Mourne & Down (39).
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Hide AdWhile the figure in Newry, Mourne & Down hasn't changed year on year, the borough is now No 1 (41 reported incidents), ahead of Newry, Mourne & Down (39), Mid & East Antrim (31), Causeway, Coast & Glens (30), Fermanagh & Omagh (26), Mid Ulster (25), Antrim & Newtownabbey (22), Derry City & Strabane (11), Lisburn & Castlereagh (9), Ards & North Down (3), while no such incidents were reported in Belfast City.
A small measure of comfort can be derived from the fact that the ABC Borough is one of only two NI local authorities where the overall level of crimes – not specific to the farming world - has dropped year on year (-5.2%), according to PSNI figures.
Burglary and robbery represent 28% of agricultural crime in Northern Ireland, while theft represents 72%.
The estimated bill for rural theft in 2022 was a massive £40.5m – due to the fact that expensive equipment, vehicles and livestock are being targeted by the thieves.
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Hide AdTo make things worse for farmers, they must contend with a surge in prices right across essential elements of farming such as electricity, fertiliser, water, animal feed and veterinary bills – making additional costs due to theft disastrous.
Even fuel has become a target, as the cost of red diesel is almost double what it was in 2021/22.
The research, based on a sample of over 6,000 farm vehicle insurance policies, also found that nearly 20% of farmers don’t lock their garages or barns, and 15% of vehicles are left out on unsecure driveways.
Alarmingly, at Northern Ireland level, the proportion of farm vehicles being kept secure in locked garages and barns has dropped from 49.7% in 2019/20 to 41% in 2022, making it easier for the thieves.