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Last year there was a significant drop in rural crime but there is concern among the farming community that it is set to increase as the economic impact, post lockdown, takes its hold.

The PSNI reported 291 cases of burglary, robbery and theft relating to farming such as stealing agricultural vehicles, tools and livestock in the 2020/21 financial year.  While the cost of rural theft in Northern Ireland fell by nearly 37 percent (estimated £2.1million) as highlighted in NFU Mutual’s rural crime report, farmers were still being targeted during the pandemic and there are fears that this could escalate.  A UK wide report shows that insurance claims by farmers across the UK jumped by 50% in the first quarter of 2021.

In Northern Ireland in the 12 months from 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 burglary and robbery represented 31 per cent of agricultural crime, while theft represented 69 per cent. The highest level of agriculture crime was seen in both Newry, Mourne and Down and Fermanagh and Omagh (43), followed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (35), Mid Ulster (31), Causeway Coast and Glens (28), Mid and East Antrim (27) and Derry City and Strabane (20). The Ulster Farmers Union is urging farmers to not let their security slip by checking livestock regularly, locking unused vehicles and securing equipment and outbuildings.

Niall Quinn, Director, Gullion Ltd said, “If you have been targeted by burglary, robbery or theft, after contacting the police and ensuring that livestock are safe, we would encourage you to not touch anything.  Evidence from the crime may lead to a conviction and your insurer will require photographic evidence of the full extent of the damage.

“It’s important that you notify your insurer as soon as possible.  This must be done by the policyholder as a requirement under the General Data Protection Act 2018. 

“If you appoint Gullion Ltd, your leading local loss assessor, we can then liaise with your insurer on your behalf. With direct access to Gullion Ltd Directors from the outset of your claim, we will deliver a full claim management service, negotiating the best settlement on your behalf to ensure that you achieve your full entitlement, under the terms and conditions of your policy.

“As your leading local loss assessor, we pride ourselves on our professional and personal service to deliver stress-free results.   We will provide you with regular updates at all stages of your claim so you are in complete control.

“Bringing added value, after years working in the industry and 1000’s of claims won, we have established excellent working relationships with many of the insurance companies Loss Adjustors, speeding up the insurance claim process.

“At Gullion Ltd we also offer additional services where, if you choose, we can restore your property using trusted, quality trades people, to help you get back on track as quickly possible.” 

Gullion Ltd – regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

You’re number one choice for insurance claims.

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