The insurance branch of the National Farmers' Union (NFU Mutual) has said that diesel thefts more than doubled in 2022, with high fuel prices making farm diesel tanks a prime target for criminals.

The latest figures from NFU Mutual show the cost of diesel theft rose to a record of £886,197 during the year.

The rural insurer is citing the cost-of-living crisis and the high diesel prices as the reason for the thefts, and warns the public to be on the lookout for diesel raids in the coming months as these issues continue.

It urged farmers to fortify their farmyards to stop thieves from draining their diesel tanks and disrupting food production.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: "With diesel costing around £1.75 at the pumps, farmers’ fuel tanks are now like liquid gold to thieves.

“Farmers need fuel to keep the nation fed, so these thefts are a major concern for agriculture at a time when fast-rising input costs are adding further pressures on rural businesses.

“As well as the loss of vital fuel, thieves often damage tanks leaving fuel running into the ground where it can cause horrendous pollution as well as an increased fire risk.  

Managing director of NFU Mutual's risk management services, Andy Manson, said that ensuring the farmyard has effective security in place is the first step to deterring fuel thieves.

“Where possible, locate fuel tanks where the can be seen from the farmhouse, ideally within an enclosed compound with secured access," he said.

"It is worth considering fitting a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks.”

Diesel security tips

The rural insurer released a list of tips for farmers to safeguard their diesel supplies on-farm and limit the risk of becoming victims of fuel theft in 2023:

Fuel tanks

Vehicles and machinery

Site security