The cost of rural crime across Staffordshire is down for 2025, according to latest national figures.

The NFU Mutual annual crime report for 2024 to 2025 shows that rural crime reports are down 16.5 percent nationally, with the Midlands down a total of 31 percent. 

In Staffordshire, as a result of this downward trend, the amount of money lost to rural crime is down 52.5 per cent, from an estimated £1.6-million in 2023 to £804,000 in 2024. 

The national report shows that, overall, the theft of agricultural vehicles, quad bikes and GPS trackers had decreased significantly. 

However, the cost of tractor, trailer and livestock theft is up by an average of 11.6 percent. 

The majority of people affected by rural crime also said that it affected their mental health, while 86 per cent of people said they knew repeat victims of this type of crime.

Chief Inspector Scott Gidman, who is the force's lead for rural crime, said: "I understand the devastating impact this type of criminality has on our communities and on the livelihoods of those affected. 

"Though the downward trend in terms of the cost of rural crime on communities in Staffordshire is reassuring, I know we have a lot more to do to ensure it is continued to be tackled robustly by our proactive teams. 

"That's why we are continuing to do all we can to identify, pursue and prosecute offenders while engaging with our rural and farming communities across Staffordshire on a regular basis."

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, said: “As a county, Staffordshire is three-quarters rural, and the results of this report will be encouraging for our rural communities. 

“Although the cost of rural crime overall is reducing, the harm caused to individual victims and businesses can be significant. People in remote areas can feel more vulnerable and isolated, and the impact of crime can be greater on those living in the countryside. 

“There is still more work to be done to drive down rural crime even further. Rural crime is a priority in my refreshed Police & Crime Plan, and it is vital that Police and rural communities continue to work together to proactively tackle this kind of criminal activity.” 

Anyone who is concerned about rural crime in their area should contact us on 101, via Livechat on our website or call 999 in an emergency.