FARMERS whose decades-old livelihoods have been jeopardised by callous criminals stealing high-value machinery will be better protected following years of campaigning.

The long-awaited Crime and Policing Bill received Royal Assent last week, granting police new powers to enter premises without a warrant to recover electronically-tracked stolen agricultural equipment.

With agricultural vehicle thefts reported to insurers NFU Mutual costing millions every year, the scale of the problem facing farming businesses is clear, according to ministers.

NFU regional board chair, William Maughan, said: “I welcome the news that the Crime and Policing Bill has now become law.

“I often hear about farm equipment theft taking place across Yorkshire and these new police powers will make a positive impact in tackling this issue.

“But much more needs to be done to protect our rural communities.

“Rural crime is a major ongoing concern for farmers across the Yorkshire dealing with fly-tipping and hare coursing among other crimes being carried out by organised criminal gangs.

“These crimes are costing the industry in this region tens of thousands of pounds, damaging the countryside and impacting our ability to deliver national food security.

“The NFU continues to engage with the police, MPs, councillors and other stakeholders to raise these concerns and work towards giving our rural communities the protection they need.”

While the new legislation also allows greater powers to issue statutory guidance to councils on the enforcement of fly‑tipping, it does not go far enough to address the undue burden waste crime places on farmers and growers, according to the NFU.

“Private landowners are currently left to bear the cost and responsibility of clearing illegally dumped waste, leaving victims to deal with the financial, emotional and logistical consequences of a crime they did not commit,” Mr Maughan added.

“Time is critical in cases of machinery theft and enabling police to act immediately when the location of stolen equipment is known should improve recovery rates, disrupt organised rural crime and provide farmers and growers with the much-needed confidence that these crimes are being taken seriously.”

South Yorkshire Police’s Operation Hawthorne - which launched earlier this year - brings together local partners to protect rural areas and provide practical support.

The initiative, which has been funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and is being delivered by Barnsley-based officers, has been developed in recognition of the disproportionate impact that rural and wildlife crime has on many rural communities.

Through the initiative, together with SYMCA, police are putting more investment and co-ordination into tackling rural crime so they can allay fears, bring offenders to justice and keep rural communities safe.

Cash is being offered to those eligible to fund crime prevention measures at their farms.

A police spokesperson said: “Rural residents and businesses across South Yorkshire are invited to apply for a financial contribution towards crime prevention products and materials, which can be used to help target harden your property, therefore lessening your risk of becoming a victim of crime.

“The funding can be used to purchase and install products such as CCTV cameras, security lighting, enhanced signage, drones and other target hardening measures, following advice and guidance from our officers.

“Varying levels of financial support are available, from £500 up to £2,000, dependant on a range of factors, including previous instances of crime reported at a property, and the determined risk of being a victim in the future.

“These factors will be assessed upon application.”