A national picture of rural crime
Rural crime continues to be a growing concern for farmers across the UK, with organised criminal gangs becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods. According to the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2024, the cost of rural crime rose by 4.3% in 2023, reaching an estimated £52.8 million. Farmers are particularly vulnerable to theft due to the high value of agricultural equipment, fuel, and machinery, with quad bikes, GPS systems, and livestock among the most targeted assets.
Beyond the financial implications, rural crime has a deep emotional impact on farmers and their families. Unlike other businesses where theft may only affect a workplace, most farmers live where they work, meaning a break-in or fuel theft can feel like a more personal violation.
With fuel theft remaining a persistent issue, protecting your farm’s fuel supply is essential for ensuring business continuity and avoiding costly and distressing disruptions. This guide explores key strategies to safeguard your fuel storage, incorporating recommendations from industry experts and law enforcement agencies.
Understanding the risk of fuel theft
Diesel and other fuels stored on farms are a prime target for criminals due to their high resale value and ease of transport. NFU Mutual reports that criminal gangs are increasingly using advanced techniques such as drones to scope out farmyards, while repeat thefts have left many farmers feeling vulnerable and frustrated.
In addition to the financial loss, fuel theft can result in operational delays, equipment damage, and increased insurance costs. With the rising cost of living and global fuel price fluctuations, the risk of fuel-related crimes is expected to remain high.
Practical steps to protect your farm's fuel supply
Secure Your Fuel Tanks
- Install robust locks and cages – High-quality anti-theft locks, tank cages, or enclosed fuel stores can help deter thieves.
- Use fuel tank alarms – Motion-sensor alarms or fuel level monitoring systems can alert you to any unauthorised access.
- Position tanks strategically – Place fuel tanks out of sight from roads and main entrances to reduce the likelihood of being targeted, but make sure they are still safely and conveniently accessible for your use.
Improve Farm Security Measures
- CCTV and lighting – Install motion-activated lighting and CCTV cameras near fuel storage areas to deter criminals.
- Perimeter security – Maintain secure fencing and locked gates to limit access to your property.
- GPS tracking for vehicles – Many thieves steal fuel by siphoning from stolen farm vehicles. Installing tracking devices can improve recovery rates in the event of theft.
- Monitor fuel usage – Keep a log of fuel deliveries and usage to detect discrepancies that may indicate theft. Tank telemetry can help make this easy.
Work with the Rural Crime Network
- Join a Farm Watch scheme – Many rural communities have local crime prevention networks that share intelligence on suspicious activity.
- Report all incidents – Even if theft is unsuccessful, reporting attempted crimes to the police helps authorities identify trends and target resources effectively.
- Use crime prevention grants – Some regions offer funding for security improvements, such as grants for CCTV installation or secure fuel storage.
Building a community approach to rural crime
One of the key takeaways from the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2024 is the importance of collaboration between farmers, police, and industry bodies in tackling organised crime. Initiatives such as the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) and the Equipment Theft Prevention Act 2023 have been introduced to disrupt criminal networks and improve security measures across the UK.
To find out how Certas Energy can support you with tanks and telemetry, make an enquiry and speak to one of our experts today.
