A rural crimewave that is wreaking havoc for farmers and countryside communities and decimating livestock is to be subjected to a nationwide police clampdown using drone technology. Foreign organised crime syndicates are competing with homegrown British gangs to plunder vulnerable properties with over £45m worth of vital machinery stolen last year – much of which is believed to have vanished overseas.
Police say they have had some success with £12.7m worth of stolen machinery recovered in the past 12 months, including £825,500 worth recovered from overseas, leading to 155 arrests. But a new three-year strategy will see an increased focus on intelligence-led policing with advanced data analytics and crime mapping being used to identify crime hotspots and track patterns of offending. This will enable forces to target organised crime groups operating in rural areas more effectively, ensuring officers resources are deployed where they are most needed.
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Police say they are increasingly turning to new technology, such as increased use of air support in the form of drones, as they work together to tackle wildlife crime often across vast and challenging terrains.
New legislative powers under the Crime and Policing Bill due to gain Royal Assent next year will also allow officers to recover stolen agricultural machinery swiftly, without the need for a warrant.
While national training programmes will be rolled out for tackling machinery theft, livestock crime, and wildlife offences with DNA analysis also being used to support investigations and improve the chances of identifying offenders and securing successful prosecutions.
Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for rural and wildlife crime, said: “This type of crime is constantly evolving and by working with our communities and our stakeholders, we are best placed to meet this challenge with a response that is robust and effective.
“This is about more than just protecting animals and property; this is about confronting serious organised criminality that exploits our environment and undermines communities.”
Police chiefs say rural communities often feel isolated and vulnerable, but this strategy will embed and strengthen visible policing within rural areas so those who live and work in the countryside are connected to their local police teams and feel as safe as those within urban areas.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “Whether it’s gangs stealing machinery and livestock, or illegal hare coursing and fly-tipping, rural crime can wreak havoc on the livelihoods of farmers and countryside communities.
“This strategy is a vital step in our mission to deliver safer streets everywhere and comes as we give the police new powers to take on the organised criminal gangs targeting the agricultural sector.
“Our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will also play a crucial role embedding visible policing back into neighbourhoods, including rural areas.”
Rural affairs minister Angela Eagle added: “Rural crime harms communities up and down the country, with millions of pounds of farming equipment and livestock lost every year, not to mention vile acts like hare coursing.
“New powers to seize stolen assets, improved access to data and technology, and increased collaboration will help police forces make Britain’s rural communities against organised crime.”
The strategy identifies nine priority crime areas, including machinery theft, livestock worrying and theft, illegal hunting and poaching, and offences against protected species such as badgers, bats, and birds of prey.
These crimes strike at the heart of rural life, undermining the economic and social security and stability of those who live and work there.
Increasingly these crimes are carried out by organised criminal gangs, bringing a level of sophistication and menace that demands a robust and coordinated response.
This financial year, the Home Office is providing the first funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000).
The government is also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft Act (Prevention) Act 2023, and will introduce requirements for new all-terrain vehicles and GPS units to be properly marked and registered on a secure database, giving police a vital tool to return stolen equipment to victims.
The launch of the strategy has been welcomed by those impacted by rural and wildlife crime.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “Farmers and rural communities will welcome the Rural Crime Strategy as recognition of the serious and organised nature of rural crime. For too long, criminal gangs have exploited the countryside, targeting machinery, livestock and land with devastating impacts on businesses and families.
“The NFU has consistently called for a cross‑departmental rural crime taskforce, sustained funding for the National Rural Crime Unit and stronger legislation to protect farmers from theft, hare coursing and livestock worrying. It is positive to see government and police leaders acknowledging the complexities of rural crime and committing to intelligence‑led policing, new technology and national training.
“But delivery is key: farmers need visible policing, swift recovery of stolen equipment and sentencing that deters repeat offenders. A holistic, joined-up approach will make this effective, and we will continue to work with the Home Office, Defra and police forces to ensure this strategy translates into real protection for those who live and work in the countryside.”
The National Rural Crime Network, a coalition of elected Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners and rural campaigners, added: “Our 2024 research shows clear links between rural crime and organised criminal networks. Making the countryside hostile to these groups is essential.
“We strongly back the government’s commitment to address waste crime and fly-tipping—long-standing public concerns—through stronger enforcement and collaboration with local authorities and the environment agency.
“The recognition of rural vulnerabilities such as isolation, domestic abuse and sexual violence, stalking and mental health challenges is a very welcome step forward. We understand that policing alone can’t solve the issue of protecting and supporting our rural communities and the National Rural Crime Network is committed to working with law enforcement, government, and MPs to secure the funding and legislative changes needed to deliver real improvements for rural communities.”
Country Land and Business Association President Gavin Lane said: “Rural crime blights the countryside and is often linked to serious organised crime, so we welcome the launch of the new strategy and hope it leads to urgent action.
“The CLA works closely with the police to ensure fighting rural crime is a priority, and we support the suggestion that rural crime teams should be embedded in every force, as well as the focus on improved data collection and analysis.
“Farmers and communities – many already struggling with isolation – have had enough of criminals and violent organised gangs targeting them. Many Police and Crime Commissioners take fighting rural crime seriously, and with their roles being scrapped it’s vital our voice isn’t lost.
“As recent CLA analysis found, some police forces lack dedicated rural officers and basic kit. The government's new strategy is a step in the right direction, and must lead to direct action including more equipment for officers, improved training for call handlers ensure long-term funding of the National Rural Crime Unit.”