In 2017, the cost of rural crime in Northern Ireland increased by 5.3% to £2.6m (€2.91m), the latest rural crime report from NFU Mutual has found.

Co Down was in the top 30 of the worst-affected counties in the UK by cost. Last year, the cost of rural crime in Co Down increased by 20.1% to £781,473 (€875,357).

Overall, the cost of rural crime in the UK is at its highest since 2013.

NFU Mutual estimates rural crime cost the UK £44.5m (€49.84m) in 2017 - an increase of 13.4% (or around £5m) since 2016.

The report found that over last 12 months the cost of almost every type of crime has risen in almost every area of the UK.

NFU Mutual found:

  • Limited police resources and repeat attacks are the biggest concerns for people living in the countryside.
  • Quads/ATVs, tools, machinery and 4x4s are topping thieves’ wish lists.
  • Nearly a third of NFU Mutual Agents know someone who has changed the way they live or farm as a result of rural crime.
  • CCTV is one of the most common security measures being installed.

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