Farmers across Wales are facing an unprecedented threat, not from poor harvests or fluctuating markets, but from organised crime. According to the latest figures published by NFU Mutual and reported by Sky News, the cost of rural crime in Wales has jumped by a staggering 46% in a single year, reaching its highest level in over a decade.
This alarming rise is not just a spike on a spreadsheet. It represents thousands of pounds lost per incident, families living in fear, and a countryside under siege from criminals who see rural areas as easy targets.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What’s behind the surge in rural crime
- The most common types of theft and damage
- Regional statistics from across Wales
- Why farms are being targeted
- And how you can protect your property using modern security solutions
Based on the 2024 NFU Mutual report, the estimated cost of rural crime in Wales reached £2.5 million in the last 12 months, the highest total in over 10 years.
| Year | Estimated Cost of Rural Crime (Wales) | % Change Year on Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | £1.5 million | - |
| 2021 | £1.7 million | +13% |
| 2022 | £1.9 million | +12% |
| 2023 | £2.5 million | +46% |
🔍 Key Insight: This sharp increase suggests not just a rise in petty theft, but the growing presence of organised crime groups targeting farms for high-value machinery, GPS units, and livestock.
While any valuable item left unsecured can be a target, thieves are increasingly focused on specific agricultural equipment and assets that are easy to sell and difficult to trace.
| Item Stolen | Why It’s Targeted |
|---|---|
| Quad bikes & ATVs | High resale value, easy to transport |
| GPS tractor systems | Worth thousands; often not well-secured |
| Power tools & generators | In demand on black markets |
| Livestock (e.g. sheep) | Can be sold quickly at auction or slaughtered for meat |
| Fuel (especially red diesel) | Expensive and often stored in unprotected tanks |
| Gates, fencing & trailers | Easy to remove and sell; weak points in perimeter security |
| Dog theft (working breeds) | Working dogs, especially sheepdogs, have high market value |
🚨 Case Example: In North Wales, one farmer lost over £20,000 of equipment in a single night, including GPS units stripped from tractors, a quad bike, and power tools. No arrests were made.
Which Areas Are Most Affected?
The rural nature of Wales means that every county is vulnerable, but some regions are facing higher levels of crime due to geography, proximity to urban centres, and farm density.
| Region | Reported Crimes | Primary Threats |
|---|---|---|
| Powys | High | Livestock theft, fencing and gate removal |
| Carmarthenshire | High | Quad bike and GPS system theft |
| Monmouthshire | Medium | Fuel theft, fly-tipping, illegal access |
| Gwynedd | Medium | Livestock rustling, tool theft |
| Pembrokeshire | Medium | Perimeter breaches, poaching |
| Conwy | Low but rising | Machinery theft, hare coursing |
These are not isolated incidents, they represent a systemic vulnerability in rural Wales.
protect your farm with tower guard
The Tower Guard is the smartest way to protect your farm 24/7. Without the need for expensive infrastructure such as Power, Broadband and Lighting. With Tower Guards smart charging system the tower can run autonomously for up to 6 weeks.
Why Are Farms Easy Targets?
Farms offer criminals a rare combination of high-value assets and low surveillance. Here are the five core vulnerabilities:
- Remote Locations
With fields, barns, and machinery spread across vast land, farms are often out of sight, and out of police reach.
- Limited Police Presence
Rural police resources are stretched. Response times are slower, and officers are often covering huge areas.
- Outdated or No Security Systems
Many farms rely on physical locks and deterrents, with little to no digital security or CCTV monitoring.
- Valuable, Portable Assets
Thieves are increasingly after GPS systems, tools, and trailers, all of which can be stolen and moved within minutes.
- Seasonal Patterns
During harvest or lambing season, farmers work long hours, creating opportunities for thieves to strike when attention is elsewhere.
Tower Guard System: A Game-Changer for Remote Farm Security
When it comes to protecting vast, isolated farmland, static CCTV and reactive measures are no longer enough. That’s where our Tower Guard CCTV System comes in, a fully self-contained, mobile surveillance unit designed for off-grid environments and remote locations.
✅ What Is the Tower Guard System?
The Tower Guard is a rapid deployment CCTV tower that combines high-definition cameras, motion detection, and 24/7 remote monitoring in one robust unit. It requires no mains power, making it ideal for farms, fields, and temporary agricultural sites.
| Feature | Benefit to Farmers |
|---|---|
| 360° Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras | Covers wide open land with minimal blind spots |
| Motion-Activated Recording | Captures only relevant activity — no wasted footage |
| Infrared Night Vision | Detects threats in complete darkness |
| Solar or Generator Powered | Works without electricity — ideal for off-grid farm environments |
| Audio Challenge System | Warns intruders instantly through two-way audio |
| Remote Monitoring Integration | Connects to our 24/7 control centre for real-time alerts |
How It Stops Crime Before It Happens
Unlike traditional CCTV, the Tower Guard acts as a visible deterrent and live response system. When motion is detected, it can:
- Trigger audible warnings to scare off trespassers
- Alert our monitoring team to initiate live intervention
- Automatically record and store high-quality footage for evidence
- Notify the farm owner via mobile alert, wherever they are
This not only stops criminals in their tracks but ensures you have documented proof for insurance and prosecution.
🌾 Why It’s Ideal for Farms
Farms have unique vulnerabilities that make the Tower Guard especially effective:
| Farm Challenge | Tower Guard Advantage |
|---|---|
| Large, unlit areas far from buildings | Covers wide perimeters with night vision and wide-angle views |
| Machinery stored outdoors or in sheds | Monitors exposed high-value equipment |
| Seasonal or temporary operations | Can be installed and removed as needed |
| Remote livestock fields | Surveillance for vulnerable areas without foot patrols |
No other system offers this level of coverage, flexibility, and deterrent value, all without the need for costly infrastructure.
protect your farm with tower guard
The Tower Guard is the smartest way to protect your farm 24/7. Without the need for expensive infrastructure such as Power, Broadband and Lighting. With Tower Guards smart charging system the tower can run autonomously for up to 6 weeks.
The Psychological Toll on Farmers
Rural crime doesn’t just hurt farmers financially. It affects mental health, community trust, and long-term sustainability.
“It’s not just about the loss. It’s the fear that they’ll come back.”
– Welsh farmer quoted by Sky News, June 2024
Feelings of isolation, helplessness, and chronic stress are becoming more common, especially for those living in very remote or sparsely populated areas.
According to NFU Cymru, over 60% of farmers say they now feel unsafe on their own land.
How to Secure Your Farm: Practical Measures
Modern farm security must go beyond padlocks. Criminals are now using drones, bolt cutters, and vehicle trackers to locate and target assets.
Here’s a breakdown of the most effective methods:
🔒 Physical Measures
| Security Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lockable gates & bollards | Deters vehicle access to machinery areas |
| Heavy-duty chains & padlocks | Delays or prevents access to equipment |
| Security lighting | Illuminates areas of risk |
| Steel containers | Secures tools and machinery |
Surveillance and Detection
| Technology | Benefit |
|---|---|
| CCTV with motion detection | Captures evidence, deters intruders |
| ANPR (number plate cameras) | Identifies suspect vehicles entering your property |
| Perimeter alarms | Alerts owners to movement on site |
| Drone surveillance | Covers large properties from above, ideal for remote terrain |
Digital Tools
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| GPS trackers | Track stolen assets in real-time |
| Security apps & dashboards | Monitor farm security remotely via mobile or desktop |
| Automatic reporting systems | Generate alerts and digital logs instantly for audit and response |
How Leisure Guard Security Supports Rural Clients
We work in rural and remote property protection, working with private landowners, estates, agricultural businesses, and local authorities across Wales and the UK.
Our tailored services include:
✅ Tower Guard CCTV Installation and Monitoring
- Motion-triggered cameras
- Real-time alerts to control centre
- Solar-powered for off-grid farms
Recommendations for Welsh Landowners
- Conduct a full security audit
Identify weak points, especially on outbuildings, gates, and access roads. - Invest in modern deterrents
Motion-triggered lighting, CCTV, and GPS trackers offer immediate ROI. - Join or form a local rural watch group
Share intelligence with neighbouring farms and report suspicious activity. - Record and mark all equipment
Use UV markers, engravings, and register items with databases like CESAR. - Work with a professional security provider
DIY solutions aren’t enough when facing professional thieves.
Our Commitment to Protecting Rural Wales
At Leisure Guard Security, we believe rural communities deserve the same level of protection as urban areas. Whether you own a single plot or manage a large estate, we have the tools, personnel, and expertise to help.
📞 Ready to take the next step?
Contact us for a free consultation and learn how we can tailor a security plan to protect your farm, livestock, and livelihood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodic Property Inspections
What is rural crime and why is it increasing in Wales?
Rural crime includes theft, vandalism, poaching, fly-tipping, and trespassing on agricultural land. In Wales, it’s increasing due to organised crime targeting farms for high-value items like machinery, fuel, and livestock. Isolation and limited police presence make farms attractive to criminals.
What are the most commonly stolen items from farms?
Thieves typically target quad bikes, GPS tractor systems, livestock (especially sheep), red diesel fuel, and tools. These items are easy to move, sell, and difficult to trace once stolen.
How much has rural crime cost Welsh farmers in recent years?
According to NFU Mutual’s 2024 report, rural crime in Wales cost an estimated £2.5 million in 2023, a 46% increase compared to the previous year — the highest figure in over a decade.
Why are farms particularly vulnerable to crime?
Farms are often remote, poorly lit, and spread over large areas. Many lack modern security measures, making them easy targets for thieves looking for quick access to high-value equipment and livestock.
What is the Tower Guard system and how does it work?
The Tower Guard system is a mobile CCTV surveillance tower designed for remote locations. It features 360° PTZ cameras, motion detection, night vision, audio deterrents, and live remote monitoring — all without needing mains power, making it ideal for off-grid farms.
Can rural CCTV really prevent theft?
Yes. Visible CCTV towers like the Tower Guard are strong deterrents. When paired with real-time monitoring and audio challenge systems, they not only deter crime but also support quick response and provide valuable evidence for prosecution.
How can I secure my farm without access to electricity?
Solutions like solar-powered CCTV towers, battery-operated motion sensors, and GPS tracking for equipment can all work without mains power. The Tower Guard system is specifically designed for off-grid use, perfect for rural environments.
What steps should I take after a theft on my farm?
Immediately report the incident to police and your insurer. Preserve any CCTV footage, take photos of the scene, and check for other missing items. Contact your security provider to review vulnerabilities and consider upgrades like monitored CCTV or patrol services.
Are there financial support schemes for rural security?
Some local councils and police forces offer farm security grants or community safety funding. Additionally, insurers may offer premium discounts for properties with approved security systems in place. It’s worth speaking to NFU Mutual or your local authority for details.
What’s the best way to protect livestock from theft?
Use secure fencing, install gate locks, and consider tagging animals with GPS-enabled systems. Surveillance of fields, particularly at night, using CCTV towers or drone patrols can further reduce risk. Keep detailed inventory and movement records for all livestock.
How can Leisure Guard Security help me secure my rural property?
We offer tailored rural protection including:
Tower Guard CCTV systems
Mobile patrols and keyholding
Vacant farm inspections
Security consultation and site audits
With local teams and cutting-edge tech, we deliver proactive protection where it’s needed most.
