Estimated costs of rural crime in Northern Ireland reached £2.2 million in 2025, according to insurance data from NFU Mutual.

The total rose by almost a quarter from the previous year, one of only three UK regions to record an increase.

Ulster Farmers' Union president John McClenaghan said the figures should serve as a serious wake-up call for farmers already operating under financial pressure.

Theft of livestock and quad bikes increased, while GPS unit thefts fell by 80% across the UK.

McClenaghan urged farmers to report every incident to allow the PSNI to allocate resources based on accurate demand.

NFU Mutual regional manager Lauren Finlay said rural crime had become more organised, leaving farmers nervous and concerned about repeated targeting.

The Ulster Farmers' Union called for policymakers at Stormont to ensure the PSNI has adequate powers to address the issue.