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06
Aug 2020
Last Updated: 05/08/2020
Rural crime in North Yorkshire costs millions
A report has revealed the cost of rural crime in North Yorkshire is the third highest among counties in the UK. North Yorkshire Police has said tackling rural crime is "extremely important".
The cost of rural crime in North Yorkshire is the third highest among counties in the UK.
A report released by NFU Mutual found that in 2019, rural crime cost the county over £2 million. A rise of 22.6% on the previous year.
The report names theft of high value farm machinery as a factor for the cost increase. It also found that over lockdown, rural crime had continued - with some criminals travelling into the county to target farms.
Inspector Matt Hagen, head of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said:
“Our county is a largely rural area, and the borough of Harrogate is no exception – so tackling rural crime is extremely important to us. We know that offenders from areas outside North Yorkshire travel into our communities, intent on stealing quad bikes, farm machinery and other valuable property – and those crimes are reflected in the latest figures from NFU Mutual. The report also shows that criminals continued to target the countryside, despite the Covid-19 lockdown.
"Rural crime did not stop – and neither did rural policing. Our officers, some of whom have farming backgrounds, know just how devastating rural crime can be for its victims.”
Read more:
- The same combination of poisons used to kill birds of prey has been found in two pet dogs, resulting in one passing away.
- Ripon fell victim to fly tipping, leaving council taxpayers to pay the removal costs.
Rural crimes including livestock attacks and machinery theft have been seen within the Harrogate district. North Yorkshire Police has urged farmers to remain vigilant and increase safety measures within their farms.
In an attempt to combat rural crime the police works alongside 142 rural watch volunteers. They act as the eyes and ears within the rural communities.
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