The warning comes amid a rise in rural crime, with the cost of livestock theft in the UK reaching an estimated £3.4 million in 2024 alone. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has joined forces with the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) to raise awareness and offer practical advice to farmers and landowners. Police national livestock theft coordinator at the NRCU, Martin Beck said: "Farm theft prevention can seem like a chore because it slows our day down. Sheep and lambs accounted for about 70% of animals stolen last year, according to figures from NFU Mutual. Mr Beck said: "As our awareness of livestock theft grows it can naturally increase our assumptions and fear.