Rural tool theft warning issued to farmers

Farmers across the UK are being urged to stay vigilant after research by NFU Mutual showed that tool theft continues to affect tradespeople, farmers and rural communities nationwide.

Criminals targeting tools have impacted not only the construction sector, but also agricultural businesses that rely on essential equipment, says the rural insurer.

The research found that nearly two-thirds of tradespeople have experienced tool theft in the past 12 months.

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The most common incidents were theft from a site (36%), equipment stolen from vehicles (32%), theft of a vehicle (12%), and theft from business premises (11%).

Zoe Knight, head of commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “Tool theft is an epidemic that continues to cause major issues and distress to hard-working farmers and tradespeople up and down the country.

“Workers rely heavily on their tools and vehicles for their job, so it is vital they have protection and security in place.

“Tougher laws on tool theft would help deter thieves and tackle this growing issue.”

The National Rural Crime Unit has also warned that tool theft in rural areas remains prevalent.

Andrew Huddleston, head of the National Rural Crime Unit and the National Construction and Agri Theft Team, said: “Theft of tools in our rural areas is a significant issue.

“Many farmers will have had or know of someone who has suffered this crime.

“While a significant amount of machinery is recovered every year, tools very rarely are.

“A fundamental cause of this is the extremely poor identity marking by manufacturers on even high-value tools.”

He added that improving manufacturer marking and introducing legislation had been raised with government and industry bodies.

He urged farmers to adopt security measures including locks, lighting, CCTV, tracking technology and participation in local Rural Watch schemes.