About 90% of NSW farmers have experienced crime on their properties and 30% have been hit seven or more times, data shows.

Caravan and motorcycle theft numbers surged 80% last year, but thefts involving passenger vehicles such as utes and 4WDs fell 16%, according to rural crime statistics compiled by WFI Insurance and the University of New England.

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

WFI Insurance’s claim data shows an overall decline in rural crimes over the past five years – down about 15% since 2020 – but UNE’s Centre for Rural Criminology co-director Kyle Mulrooney says this may not be a true reflection of trends.

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

Installing signs can be a major deterrent to criminals, Dr Mulrooney says. “ ‘Do not enter, private property, CCTV in use,’ has an immense impact on offender psyche.”  

Livestock theft is the most under-reported crime, with only about 50%-60% of cases flagged with police, according to the research. Farmers said they did not report incidents because they did not believe police could do anything. Theft was difficult to pinpoint among livestock roaming vast areas.  

WFI Insurance EGM Damien Gallagher says the findings highlight significant challenges for farmers, “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”.  

Rural crime peaks in summer, particularly January.

WFI has created a podcast that examines the UNE’s National Rural Crime Survey and aims to help farmers reduce the risk of being targeted.