Advice & Guidance
CRIME TYPE: SARS-14
Rural Crime
Rural crime disproportionately affects rural communities — agricultural theft, equine crime, wildlife crime, heritage crime, environmental crime (large-scale fly-tipping) and increasingly County Lines exploitation. The cost of rural crime exceeded £50 million in 2023 (NFU Mutual).
01
Types of rural crime
- Agricultural — theft of machinery, GPS, quad bikes, livestock, fuel.
- Equine — theft of horses, tack, trailers; fly-grazing.
- Wildlife — poaching, hare coursing, illegal trapping, persecution of protected species.
- Heritage — metal/stone theft from historic buildings, unlawful metal detecting.
- Environmental — large-scale fly-tipping, watercourse pollution.
- Burglary targeting firearms/equipment; County Lines exploitation.
02
How to minimise
- Lock equipment in secure buildings; install alarms, CCTV, security lighting.
- Use wheel clamps, hitch locks and ground anchors for vehicles/trailers.
- Mark tools, equipment and livestock; register machinery (Datatag, CESAR).
- Join local alert schemes and watch groups; report suspicious activity.
- Secure fuel tanks; consider fuel dye; monitor levels.
- Regularly check livestock and boundary fences.
03
How to report
- 999 in an emergency; 101 for non-emergencies.
- Online reporting via your force (many have dedicated rural crime forms).
- Crimestoppers — 0800 555 111 (anonymous).
- Report wildlife crime online or via 101; report fly-tipping to your council.
- Provide date/time/location, description, suspect/vehicle details, and photos if safe.
Report & Support
Want advice or guidance in person? Book an appointment at hello@sarscymru.org.uk.
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