Rural Crime is Costing Farmers – Robin Swann MP

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has stressed the continuing cost of rural crime on our local farmers at an event in Westminster.

Attending the National Farmers’ Union event on the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report, Mr Swann raised with NFU Board Members, how in some cases when faced with theft, having insurance is not always the support it could be.

Mr Swann said:

“In some cases now, farmers no longer report small value thefts to police or insurers, as they feel it is no longer worth the hassle due to lack of action that often follows, and a concern of next year’s premium increasing disproportionately – creating yet another financial burden for these farmers. 

“NFU’s report which was launched today in Parliament has highlighted that the cost of rural crime in Northern Ireland in 2024 was £1.8m. Although this is a welcome decrease from £2m the year before, the scourge of rural crime is still a huge cost to our farmers and rural community. So I welcome how today's event allowed the NFU and police the opportunity to present the steps they are taking to reassure our farmers and rural communities, but of course more can be done."