Rural crime statistics shared by WFI Insurance with the University of New England (UNE) Centre for Rural Criminology reveal that 90 percent of NSW farmers have experienced crime on farms, with around 30 percent victimised seven or more times.

The crime statistics from UNE’s National Rural Crime Survey were highlighted on a WFI rural crime podcast, which focused on helping farmers reduce their risk of being targeted by criminals.

“The statistics highlight the significant challenges that farmers face, with criminals taking advantage of properties, livestock and assets in remote locations which are often difficult to secure and monitor due to the nature and scale of farm work,” WFI Insurance Executive General Manager Damien Gallagher said.

“While the physical losses can cause widespread disruption to farming operations, the psychological impacts can be far longer lasting. We hope that by sharing this important podcast and tips to reduce farm crime, we can help to strengthen security and safety on farms.”

While WFI Insurance claims statistics show an overall decline in rural crime over the past five years, reducing around 15 percent since 2020, UNE’s Centre for Rural Criminology Co-Director Dr Kyle Mulrooney, emphasised this may not be a true reflection of the crime that’s occurring.

“Reporting of rural crime to police is abysmally low in Australia. The severity of underreporting paints a dire picture of farmers feeling like they have to go it alone. Farmers view it as the cost of doing business,” Dr Mulrooney said.

“That just shouldn’t be the case. We should help farmers understand and alleviate the reporting limitations, whether that be through smart ear tags for livestock, specialised CCTV or increased signage.”

Research shows the installation of signage can be a major deterrent to criminals.

“Crime prevention literature shows the overwhelming impact of signage – Do not enter, private property, CCTV in use – has an immense impact on offender psyche,” said Dr Mulrooney.

According to UNE’s survey, livestock theft is the most underreported crime, with only around 50-60 percent reported to police.

Reasons cited for not reporting include a lack of confidence in police being able to do anything, with circumstances of thefts difficult to pinpoint due to livestock roaming unchecked for large spans of time across vast areas.

The impact of crime on mental health can also be significant, with incidents leaving farmers feeling vulnerable, isolated, and worrying about crime consistently.

WFI claims data shows:

• The height of summer is when rural crime peaks. On average, January has around 14 percent more crime related insurance claims than any other month, followed by February and March.

• Winter months see significantly less crime. On average, June has the lowest rate, with around 27 percent fewer crime related claims compared to January.

• Caravan and motorcycle theft surged 80% last year, while passenger vehicle thefts such as Utes and 4WDs decreased by around 16 percent.

• Motor claims include vehicles and machinery being stripped of engines, fuel, tyres, rims, and GPS systems.

WFI recommends farmers meet regularly with their insurance representative and review policies to ensure assets are listed, coverage is adequate, and equipment and livestock records are maintained.

Source: WFI Insurance. To access podcast on Spotify click here