Livestock theft in the UK, is it increasing, which areas are hardest hit and how can farmers prevent or minimise the risk?

Preventing livestock theft requires a multi-layered approach, combining physical security measures, advanced technology, and community cooperation.

In recent years, livestock theft has surged across the UK, with reports suggesting it has become a significant and costly issue for farmers. This increase, driven by rising costs of living, the value of livestock, and organized crime, has made livestock theft a pressing concern within the agricultural community. The economic, emotional, and logistical impacts of these crimes are profound, not only because of the high value of the animals but also due to their vital role in farmers' livelihoods. This article explores the rise in livestock theft, the areas most affected, and preventive strategies that farmers can employ to protect their herds.

Increasing Incidence of Livestock Theft

According to recent agricultural reports, livestock theft has become a costly crime for UK farmers. Rural insurer NFU Mutual estimates that rural crime, including livestock theft, costs UK farmers millions of pounds annually. Between 2019 and 2022, livestock theft saw a sharp increase, a trend attributed to both economic pressures and organised crime syndicates targeting high-value animals, such as pedigree sheep and cattle. Livestock is particularly vulnerable due to their open, rural environments, which provide opportunities for theft without immediate detection. Additionally, the rising market price of meat and livestock has further incentivized thieves, making each animal a lucrative target.

The financial impact extends beyond just the market value of the stolen animals. Lost livestock also means lost breeding potential, potential harm to genetic lines that farmers have cultivated over generations, and indirect costs such as higher insurance premiums, replacing fencing, or investing in security measures. For some farmers, the loss of even a small number of animals can be financially destabilising. Beyond economics, the emotional toll of losing animals that are often cared for over years compounds the impact, making it a multifaceted issue.

Areas Most Affected by Livestock Theft

While livestock theft is a nationwide problem, some areas in the UK are more heavily affected than others. Data from the National Rural Crime Network and NFU Mutual indicate that regions such as Yorkshire, the Midlands, Lancashire, and Kent have been hit particularly hard. These areas, characterised by extensive rural landscapes, make monitoring livestock challenging and offer potential escape routes for thieves.

In Yorkshire, reports have shown a spike in sheep theft, with some farms losing hundreds of animals in a single theft. Similarly, the Midlands and Lancashire have seen increases in cattle and sheep theft, with many of the crimes linked to organized groups. Kent, a region with a significant agricultural sector, has also reported frequent cases of livestock theft, likely due to its proximity to major transport routes, making it easier for thieves to move stolen livestock quickly.

Remote farms with limited immediate access to law enforcement are especially vulnerable. The combination of isolation and vast open fields makes it challenging for farmers to consistently monitor their herds, making them prime targets for theft. The seasonal nature of farming, with certain times of the year seeing higher numbers of animals in fields, may also contribute to increased vulnerability during lambing or calving seasons, for example, when animals are more likely to be kept in accessible areas.

Preventive Measures Against Livestock Theft

To combat livestock theft, farmers are implementing various preventive measures, ranging from traditional practices to modern technology. While no single method can entirely eliminate the risk, combining several strategies can significantly reduce vulnerability and act as deterrents to would-be thieves. Here are some of the most effective measures:

Increased Physical Security

Secure Fencing:

Ensuring that fields and paddocks are enclosed with high-quality, secure fencing can discourage thieves. Electric fencing, which is difficult to breach quietly, can also act as an additional deterrent.

Gates and Locks:

Strong, secure gates with locks, particularly those that are difficult to cut or manipulate, can help control access to livestock. In some cases, farmers have also installed barriers or physical obstructions to block entry points.

Livestock Marking and Identification

Ear Tagging and Microchipping:

Proper identification of livestock, through government-mandated ear tagging or additional microchipping, helps prove ownership and can aid in recovery if animals are found. Some farmers are also turning to high-tech tagging systems that track animal location.

Marking with Paint or Dye:

Applying visible markings to animals, such as a unique dye pattern, can make them harder to sell illegally. This technique is especially common in sheep farming, where the animals can be sprayed with bright, distinctive colours that thieves would have difficulty removing quickly.

Surveillance and Alarms

CCTV Cameras:

Installing surveillance cameras, especially in areas where livestock congregate or along access points, can provide valuable evidence if theft occurs and deter criminals aware of being recorded.

Motion-Activated Lighting and Alarms:

Lighting that activates with movement can startle thieves, while alarms can alert farmers and nearby residents to suspicious activity. Alarms that can notify farmers remotely via a mobile device can offer additional peace of mind.

Use of Technology and Tracking Systems

GPS Collars:

Some farmers are beginning to use GPS tracking collars on high-value animals. While GPS collars may not be feasible for every animal, they can be particularly effective on pedigree or valuable livestock, making it easier to track them if a theft occurs.

Drones and Thermal Imaging:

Drones equipped with thermal imaging can help monitor large areas of farmland quickly, especially useful at night or in poorly lit areas where theft is more likely. Farmers have also found drones helpful for routine livestock checks, which can help identify unusual animal movement or missing animals promptly.

Community Cooperation and Rural Crime Networks

Joining Local Farm Watch Schemes:

Many rural areas have Farm Watch schemes, where farmers work in cooperation with local law enforcement and community members to share information and report suspicious activity. These networks can be instrumental in both deterring and solving rural crimes.

Reporting and Networking:

Networking with other farmers can help spread awareness about recent thefts or suspicious activity in the area. By sharing information, farmers can remain alert to potential threats and adopt preventive strategies accordingly.

Conclusion

The rise in livestock theft across the UK has underscored the need for increased awareness and vigilance among farmers. This crime not only jeopardizes the financial stability of agricultural communities but also places an emotional and logistical strain on farmers. Yorkshire, the Midlands, Lancashire, and Kent are among the areas hardest hit, but as thieves become more organized, the issue threatens to affect even more regions.

Preventing livestock theft requires a multi-layered approach, combining physical security measures, advanced technology, and community cooperation. By strengthening security, marking livestock, using surveillance, adopting GPS tracking, and collaborating with other farmers, the risk of theft can be minimized. Farmers must remain proactive, adapting to new threats and leveraging available resources to protect their livelihoods from this growing crime trend.

By: FCJ van Tubbergh 01/11/2024