£443k South Yorkshire fund helps farms fight rural crime

More than 130 applications have already been made for a £443,000 rural crime fund in South Yorkshire, as farmers and countryside businesses are urged to apply for security support.

The South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative was launched in March by South Yorkshire Police and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

So far, 137 applications have been submitted to the scheme.

Funding can contribute towards the cost of CCTV, security lighting, alarms, sensors, signage, drones and other measures designed to make rural properties harder to target.

Police officers are also providing tailored advice to help applicants identify the most suitable security measures for their farms, land, homes or businesses.

The force says funding is still available, with farmers, rural residents and businesses being encouraged to check whether they are eligible.

The appeal comes during National Rural Crime Action Week, when police forces, organisations and charities across the country are highlighting offences affecting countryside communities and promoting crime prevention.

Rural crime cost the UK £41.5 million in 2025, according to NFU Mutual, although the insurer warned that thefts involving quad bikes, ATVs, agricultural vehicles and livestock are continuing to rise.

Its latest rural crime report showed the overall cost fell by 6%, from £44.1 million the previous year.

NFU Mutual said increased investment and closer collaboration between industry and law enforcement had helped reduce overall losses, but warned that organised criminals continue to target farms, machinery and livestock.

Inspector Kieran Frain, from South Yorkshire Police’s rural crime team, said: “We know that our rural communities are disproportionally affected by certain types of crime, and we are committed to helping prevent and deter, as well as apprehending those responsible.”

South Yorkshire Police has a dedicated motorcycle and rural crime team, supported by trained response and neighbourhood officers.

The force says these teams work across the county to investigate incidents and support rural communities affected by crime.

Inspector Frain said cooperation from farmers and rural residents remained important.

“We are pleased that farmers and rural residents are continuing to work with us, and I urge anyone who has not yet looked into their eligibility to get involved.”

Police are also asking people in rural areas to continue reporting suspicious activity and sharing information that could help identify offenders.

Useful intelligence can include details about vehicles, routes being used and people suspected of involvement in rural or wildlife crime.

Rural and wildlife crime can be reported to South Yorkshire Police online or by calling 101.

People who do not want to provide information directly to police can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police say funding remains available, with farmers, landowners and rural businesses being encouraged to check their eligibility and apply for support while the scheme is open.