NFU Mutual in Bury St Edmunds warns of rural crime in Suffolk with thieves targeting expensive GPS equipment

Farmers in Suffolk have been left ‘living in fear’ as thieves steal expensive equipment and then return to the scene of the crime weeks later.

NFU Mutual has warned criminals targeting rural communities have become more organised, stealing vehicles that costs thousands of pounds.

The organisation, which offers financial support to the farming community, estimated the cost of rural crime in Suffolk was £1.1m last year.

David Blackwell, senior Agent at NFU Mutual Bury St Edmunds, said: “Although we’ve seen the cost of rural crime remain at a similar level in Suffolk, all the indications suggest rural crime is becoming more organised, sophisticated and determined in its nature, which is incredibly alarming for people who live and work in the countryside.”

“Intelligence highlights these criminals often target several farms in one night before moving locations, then return weeks later looking to steal any replacements.”

“As the leading rural insurer, we know the impact of rural crime goes well beyond the practicalities of farming.

“It’s the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home.”

“It’s also living in fear of repeat attacks, knowing that thieves are always looking for new ways to target rural communities.”

Across the UK, thieves have targeted Global Positioning Systems (GPS), typically costing £10,000 a unit.

Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles are among other items stolen from farms and businesses in the last year.