Rural crime crisis deepens in Northern Ireland as losses hit £2.2m

Farmers across Northern Ireland are facing a growing rural crime crisis after new figures revealed losses surged to £2.2 million last year — despite rural crime falling across the rest of the UK.

The sharp rise has prompted the Ulster Farmers’ Union to demand stronger intervention from Stormont and tougher support for frontline policing, warning that theft, vandalism and organised rural criminality are placing already struggling farm businesses under even greater pressure.

According to the latest NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report, the estimated cost of rural crime in Northern Ireland increased by 24% during 2025 compared to the previous year. In contrast, the overall UK-wide cost of rural crime fell by 6%, highlighting Northern Ireland as one of the most worrying regional trends in the report.

For many rural families, the financial damage comes at a time when farming businesses are already dealing with rising operational costs, economic uncertainty and pressure on profitability.

UFU warns true scale of crime may be far worse

UFU President John McLenaghan said the published figures likely represent only part of the problem, warning that many incidents still go unreported.

“These figures should serve as a serious wakeup call to policymakers,” he said.

“Rural crime poses a serious and escalating threat to farm families across Northern Ireland, with the latest figures showing a particularly alarming rise in offences here at a time when figures elsewhere across the UK are declining.

“Even more alarming is the extent to which incidents continue to go unreported, meaning the true scale of the problem is likely far greater than figures suggest.”

Mr McLenaghan said under-reporting makes it more difficult for police to allocate resources effectively to rural communities.

“The PSNI can only allocate resources based on demand, and this can only be done when the true extent of the problem is reflected through accurate and timely reporting,” he said.

The UFU is now urging farmers and rural residents to report every incident to police, regardless of how minor it may initially appear.

Financial strain and emotional toll on farming families

The union said the impact of rural crime stretches well beyond stolen machinery, damaged property or livestock theft.

Mr McLenaghan warned that criminal activity is creating both immediate financial harm and a deeper emotional burden for farming families already operating under intense pressure.

“Farm businesses are already operating under intense financial pressure, and the additional burden created by theft, vandalism and other criminal activity further threatens profitability and long-term viability,” he said.

“The financial impact is immediate and severe, placing already stretched farm enterprises under further strain while undermining confidence and sustainability within the sector.

“It is important to recognise that the impact extends beyond immediate financial loss. There is a considerable emotional burden that comes with rural crime.”

The warning is likely to resonate strongly across rural parts of County Antrim and wider Northern Ireland, where isolated farms and expensive agricultural machinery can make communities particularly vulnerable to organised theft and repeat targeting.

Calls for stronger powers and practical protection measures

Alongside calls for greater enforcement powers and investment for the PSNI, the UFU is encouraging farmers to adopt practical security measures designed to deter theft and improve recovery rates.

The union recommends:

• keeping photographic records of machinery and equipment

• documenting serial numbers and identifying marks

• investing in tracking technology

• using trailer marking schemes

• freeze branding livestock where appropriate

Mr McLenaghan said tackling rural crime requires both stronger policing powers and closer cooperation between authorities and the farming community.

“Policymakers need to ensure that the PSNI have the powers to tackle rural crime effectively on the ground, and the UFU is taking that message to Stormont,” he said.

“Rural crime must be stamped out. While increased investment and resources are essential, a coordinated approach between farmers and the PSNI is equally critical to ensure authorities fully understand the scale and severity of the issue.”

Pressure grows for Stormont response

The UFU said it continues to work through the Rural Crime Partnership alongside the PSNI, politicians, DAERA and the Department of Justice to keep rural crime high on the political agenda.

With rural offences continuing to rise in Northern Ireland while falling elsewhere in the UK, pressure is now likely to intensify on Stormont departments to demonstrate how rural communities will be protected in the months ahead.

For many farming families, the latest figures will reinforce concerns that rural crime is no longer an occasional threat but an increasingly costly and persistent reality affecting livelihoods, wellbeing and confidence across the countryside.