Rising fuel, oil and fertiliser costs could lead to spike in rural thefts, warns CLA

A rural body has warned farmers and countryside communities to be alert to a possible rise in thefts, as prices for fuel, heating oil, gas and fertiliser increase.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), a membership organisation representing farmers and rural businesses, is concerned about the impact of rising costs due to ongoing disruption in the Middle East and wider supply chain issues.

Historically, these increases have been linked to a rise in crime, and the CLA is encouraging communities to maintain vigilance and report any incidents or suspicious activity to the police.

CLA South East covers Thames Valley, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Regional Director Tim Bamford said: “The situation in the Middle East is already having significant impacts on households and farms here. For instance, those using heating oil have seen their prices double in less than a fortnight.

“We are concerned that the longer the conflict goes on, and the higher that prices rise, there will be a related increase in thefts.

“Fuel might be stolen from lorries parked up overnight, or from farm machinery in yards and fields, and we urge everyone to remain vigilant.”

Farmers can reduce the risks by:

• Position fuel/oil tanks where they are visible and secure
• Invest in CCTV and extra lighting in yards
• Use barriers/planting to restrict access
• Store fertiliser in locked buildings and maintain stock records
• Report suspicious vehicles immediately.

On the impact of rising fertiliser costs on food production and prices on the shelves, Tim added: “Farmers are watching fertiliser prices jump overnight. For family farms already watching every penny, this is alarming.

“Farmers plan months ahead. They budget and commit to inputs long before a seed goes in the ground. If prices keep rising, many will have no choice but to use less fertiliser, which could reduce yields and cause price inflation to the consumer.”

The CLA works closely with police forces across the South East, and always encourages victims and witnesses to report all crimes, to help officers identify trends and deploy resources accordingly.