Rural crime becoming more organised and sophisticated

Most crimes take place on Friday and Saturday nights when Police response times are slower.

By Barnaby Dracup

Monday, 06 September 2010

NFU Mutual insurance survey reveals an increase in rural crime as organised thieves get more sophisticated.

In a recent survey 70% of the NFU Mutual’s 300 branch offices reported an increase in rural crime in their area compared with the same period in 2009.

The most commonly stolen items are quad bikes but livestock are in the top 10 including pedigree dogs.

According to the survey rural crime is shifting from sporadic, opportunist thefts to highly organised operations relying on detailed surveillance and planning.

NFU spokesman, Will Howell, added: “We have seen a pattern of crimes taking place on Friday and Saturday nights as the criminals know that the police response rates for isolated areas are slower at these times. There have also been a lot of thefts while owners have left vehicles or equipment to go for lunch or tea, which suggests the thieves are watching and waiting for their opportunity in an organised way. People in the countryside need to think harder about security.”

NFU Mutual chief claims manager, John Kenny, said: “It’s disappointing to see that rural crime is on the increase and that rural homes and businesses have become a source of rich pickings for thieves. This year’s survey highlights the importance of good security measures and vigilance in the battle against rural crime.”

TOP 10 RURAL THEFTS
1. Quad bikes
2. Power tools
3. Land Rovers & 4X4s
4. Tractors
5. Trailers
6. Fuel
7. Scrap metal
8. Lawnmowers & garden tools
9. Horse tack
10. Livestock

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Comments

Mike Hemingway

Tue, 7th Sep 2010 12:35:32

Consider this---the subject of crime has been discussed ad nauseam for years and years. Remedies and cures for criminals have been wheeled and political parties of all colours and leanings have made the appropiate noises, and the subject is then quietly shelved with nothing having being achieved. As a retired Police officer, might I suggest that nothing ever will be accomplished regarding rural and for that matter, urban crime, until some Government gathers enough nerve to stand up and declare "Enough" There is no deterrent in place to even make criminals wonder if their actions will be worthwhile should they be caught. The population of law abiding citizens are fed a constant stream of santimonious drivel about Government concerns on crime, and how much is being done to reduce crime levels in UK. Human rights are ignored while all sympathy is poured onto the perpetrators. It seems to me that there might be a place for Prison with hard labour being available for certain persistant criminals, and a long sentence to be served.

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