Scotland’s pandemic lockdown reduced rural theft, but with travel restrictions lifted, criminals are back with renewed enthusiasm.
The “Scottish Farmer” latest figures for theft-related insurance claims in the countryside have risen. The post-lockdown crime wave erupted in 2021 and cost rural Scotland an estimated £2.6m, up a staggering 52% from 2020.
NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Report, released on August 2, highlights that quad bikes and high-value farm machinery continue to be the primary target for criminal gangs.
Rural Crime Report:
The NFU Mutual’s rural crime report shows that:
- The cost of rural crime rose over 40% in the first quarter of 2022 as thieves returned to the countryside – following falls in 2020 and 2021
- Rural crime is a concern to 50% of the rural community.
- Rural theft cost the UK an estimated £40.5m in 2021
- 49% of respondents said fuel theft is the rural crime they are most concerned about
- Theft of Land Rover Defenders cost £2.6M – a rise of 87% on the previous year.
Strong Effort to Reduce Rural Crime
Police Scotland, along with cross-border efforts and the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, has apprehended some culprits and recovered stolen equipment.
Over the past four years, NFU Mutual has invested over £240,000 to support SPARC. In 2021, provided a 4×4 vehicle to help rural crime officers in remote locations, along with hundreds of forensic property markings kits.
Initial claims for Q1 2022 indicate that rural theft in Scotland declined. However, due to the cost of living crisis and increased criminal activity, insurers urge rural communities to remain vigilant.
Scotland area manager Mark McBrearty stated that rising prices of essential farm equipment and soaring diesel costs will lead to an increase in farm thefts.
“Essentials of rural living, like heating oil tanks, will likely attract more thieves as costs rise. According to a recent NFU Mutual poll, 89% of respondents believe inflation will increase rural crime.”
“We’re advising rural people to review their security to help prevent crime and disruption. The Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime operates across Scotland with a strategy that includes visible policing, sharing intelligence, and involving farmers and the community to tackle rural crime.
Constable Lynn Black of Police Scotland stated that rural crimes have risen in the past year, linked to organised crime from south of the Border.
The total UK cost of agricultural vehicle theft reported to NFU Mutual remained at over £9m last year. Land Rover Defender thefts surged, leading to an 87% rise in claims, totaling £2.6m nationally.
Fuel Theft has Doubled
Fuel theft claims received by NFU Mutual decreased from 2020 to 2021. Accordingly, with soaring diesel and heating oil prices, claims in the first half of this year have more than doubled compared to the same period in 2021.
Oilfast is committed in helping the rural community secure their tanks and reduce fuel theft. There are a few products featured on our webshop that can help:
- Atkinson Locking Fuel Cap- The locking cap is made from solid aluminium. It has a hardened steel locking elbow and a vertical brass screw, complicating forced entry via these access points and increasing tank security.
- Exocet Diesel Defender- The liquid blue dye will colour white diesel to produce green fuel and act as a deterrent to thieves.
Are you looking for more information on how to secure your fuel tank?
Contact your local depot, and please speak to our friendly sales team, who can discuss your fuel tank security.
