Tractor thefts rise amid fall in rural crime cost

Agricultural vehicle thefts have doubled across the East of England despite an overall fall in the cost of rural crime, new figures suggest.

A report from insurer NFU Mutual estimated that the cost of rural crime in the region fell by 6% to £5.9m in 2025, down from £6.3m the previous year. It mirrors the UK picture, which saw a 6% drop from 44.1m to 41.5m.

However, it said thefts of tractors and other farm vehicles, such as quad bikes, had doubled in the East over the same period.

The group's rural affairs specialist, Hannah Binns, said: "Rural crime is more organised than ever, with criminals prepared to go to extreme lengths, and 2025 proved no exception."

"Alongside the fall in cost across the region and the UK, there are signs that the co-operation between government, police, farmers, rural communities, insurers, and manufacturers is bearing fruit in the fight against rural crime," she added.

The company warned that agricultural vehicles were essential for modern farming and the continued thefts would have an impact on farmers.

The group said it had worked with local police forces to install 13 number-plate recognising cameras at rural hotspots in England and Wales to disrupt criminal activity.

It also credited work done by the police, insurers and farmers to crack down on the theft of valuable GPS devices.

Figures released in 2024 showed GPS unit claims were up 137% and rural crime had then cost an estimated £7.1m.

Binns said: "With proposed policing reforms on the horizon, it is crucial rural crime teams receive fair resources and specialist support to empower local forces to respond quickly to countryside incidents caused by organised and serious criminals.

"Only a continued, coordinated effort across industry, farming and law enforcement can deliver a unified response to rural crime."

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