Improve security to combat rise in rural crime
New research from NFU Mutual, suggests rural crime has increased significantly and the insurer is advising people who live and work in the countryside to improve security measures so to avoid becoming a victim.
The NFU Mutual 2010 Rural Crime Survey (RCS) was conducted from January to June 2010, and is based on the individual claims (personal and commercial) experience of its 300-strong network of branch offices located in rural towns and villages throughout the UK.
The 2010 British Crime Survey (BCS), which focuses on household and personal thefts, recently reported a 9% fall in crime in England and Wales over the last year. Conversely, NFU Mutual's countryside-focused survey suggests rural crime is rising in all parts of the UK except Scotland.
The survey revealed 70% of branches reported rural crime in their area had increased compared to the same period in 2009. Only 7% said crime had decreased, while 23% reported the same level as 2009.
Asked whether crimes were planned or opportunistic, 71% of branches said they believe rural crime was planned, while 17% said it was opportunistic and 12% said it was a mixture of both.
Almost two thirds of branches (63%) reported that perpetrators were from outside the local area, while 22% said evidence suggested in most organised thefts, some degree of ‘local' knowledge was involved.
Commenting on NFU Mutual's 2010 RCS results, John Kenny, Chief Claims Manager at NFU Mutual, said: "It's disappointing to see rural crime is on the increase and that rural homes and businesses, in particular farms, have become rich pickings for thieves.
"NFU Mutual is part of the fabric of rural life and deals with thousands of rural theft claims every year. While we aim to make our claims procedures hassle free, it's often the loss of personal possessions or having to make do without vital machinery which causes our customers the biggest headaches.
"This year's survey highlights the importance of good security measures and vigilance in the battle to reduce rural crime. Warning signs, locked gates and evidence of alarms and security lights all help to persuade thieves to try their luck elsewhere."
Based on their local knowledge, 64% of branches said better security measures are the most effective way to reduce rural crime, while 18% suggested a greater police presence would help and 9% suggested membership of a scheme such as Farmwatch might have a positive impact on the reduction of rural crime.
In terms of the number and frequency of items stolen from homes and businesses in the countryside, quad bikes, power tools, Land Rovers or 4X4's, tractors and trailers topped the national most stolen items list (see notes to editor for full national and regional breakdown).
NFU Mutual's local branches identified three new trends thieves are using to steal from rural homes and businesses:
1. LUNCHTIME LOOTERS: Sneaky thieves are pouncing when farmers and gardeners return to the house for lunch - in the hope they will have half and hour or so to strip unlocked tool workshops and tool sheds of chain saws, welders, hedge-trimmers and other expensive power tools.
2. TEATIME TWOCKERS: ‘Twocking' - from the offence Taking Without Owners Consent - is one of the most common vehicle crimes. Knowing that vehicles are now well secured at night, thieves are keeping country properties under surveillance and rushing in to steal unlocked Land Rovers, tractors and quads while their drivers take a tea break.
3. BOOZE NIGHT BURGLARS: Believing that police resources are likely to be tied up dealing with market town revellers on Friday and Saturday nights, thieves are targeting rural property on these nights. Even if they are detected committing a crime, they reckon police response will be slow, leaving them plenty of time to escape using country lanes.
With concerns about rural crime increasing in many areas it's a good time for those living and working in the countryside to check out their security precautions and to make sure relevant insurances are up-to-date. To avoid becoming a victim of rural crime, NFU Mutual has highlighted a number of measures to help country dwellers improve their security.
SECURITY MEASURES RECOMMENDED BY NFU MUTUAL
Vehicles
Remove keys and secure when unattended
Use security lighting in yards and driveways
Have the registration number etched on vehicle windows
Consider CESAR security marking and/or immobilisers
Homes
Install an alarm system accredited by UKAS
When installing alarm systems use a certified installer from NSI or SSAIB
Fit and use insurance approved (BS3621:2004) security locks
Use SmartWater to mark valuable possessions
Fit high security heavy-duty padlocks to garages and outbuildings
Don't leave valuables on show
Consider outside security lighting
For more information on security measures please visit nfumutual.co.uk
Recognising the needs of people in the countryside, NFU Mutual's policies include key features - such as the Home and Lifestyle Insurance, which not only provides theft cover up to £2,500 for garden contents like tools, garden furniture and ornaments, but also includes theft cover for plants in the garden up to the value of £2,000 (single item limit of £250).