Rural crime falls across Lancashire

Rural crime cost Lancashire £1.4m in 2014, down from £1.7m in 2013.

The items most commonly targeted by thieves across Lancashire over the last 12 months were ATVs such as quad-bikes, tools and livestock.

Nick Murphy, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Lancashire, said: “That there’s been an overall decline in the cost of rural crime over the last 12 months is welcome news and reflects the huge efforts being made by communities and others to tackle this problem. Initiatives aimed at reducing livestock theft and installing CESAR tracking for agricultural vehicles are having a real impact and making life increasingly difficult for rural criminals. “That said, problem areas remain and thieves continue to exploit weaknesses such as around ATVs and tools. So, while today’s survey contains some good news, it also highlights the need for rural communities to remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds.”