Title: Lincolnshire Farmers Call for Additional Funding to Tackle Escalating Rural Crime
Revised Content:
Farmers within Lincolnshire are advocating for an increase in resources to combat rural crime following a considerable upswing in thefts throughout the county. The National Farmers Union (NFU) underscores the adverse impact on agricultural workers’ livelihoods, leading many to feel vulnerable. Henry Moreton, a Bucknall farmer near Woodhall Spa and county chairman for the NFU, called for urgent governmental backing to reinforce local law enforcement in the expansive region.
Mr Moreton, who experienced the theft of two garden tractors recently, has improved his farm’s security measures. However, he adamantly argues that additional funding is vital to safeguard rural communities against well-planned criminal activity. “Offenders are meticulously planning these thefts,” revealed Moreton, recalling how trespassers employed an angle grinder to overcome his barn’s defenses.
According to Moreton, more attention needs to be directed towards food security and enhanced police funding for Lincolnshire, given that the county contributes to 12% of England’s total agricultural yield. Rhonda Thompson, the NFU’s county consultant for Lincolnshire, supports this viewpoint, underlining the substantial toll on farmers’ mental health and fiscal wellbeing.
George Roworth, a farm contractor from near Gainsborough, suffered the loss of two costly GPS systems vital for contemporary farming practices. Incidents like these contribute to an escalation in insurance premiums and noteworthy operational interruptions.
Despite a nationwide decline in the financial impact of rural crime, Lincolnshire observed a 13.3% rise in the previous year, with losses adding up to £2.5 million. Lincolnshire Police, acknowledging the glaring prevalence of thefts especially in the southern region, encourages farmers to maintain meticulous records of their high-value assets. Moreover, the force has initiated a campaign to mark and secure tools and vehicles. Inspector Chris Davis, from the force’s rural crime intervention team, highlights the significance of identifying stolen property to facilitate successful prosecutions.
The persistent targeting of secluded settlements by organised criminal groups makes the demand for increased funding and resource allocation to support Lincolnshire law enforcement in fighting rural crime more urgent than ever.
