Opinion: farm crime is on the rise globally and Ireland must examine the social realities of crime in farming environments
Have you ever thought about the impact of criminal activities on rural communities, amidst the serene landscapes and nature walks? Despite its idyllic image, our countryside is not immune to crime. Farmers in rural areas face various crimimal challenges, including malicious damage, illegal trespass, assault and theft of livestock, vehicles and dogs. The loss of valuable items and fear of personal harm can significantly affect farmers and their families, and measures must be taken to protect them against these threats.
Farm crime is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide and has far-reaching consequences beyond economic loss and work interruptions. It is a violation of a farmer's basic right to feel secure in their homes and workplaces.
The impact of this type of crime can lead to social issues such as isolation, lack of trust in the community, increased anxiety, and low confidence in reporting crimes to the gardai. Isolation can cause farmers to avoid social gatherings, while not reporting incidents to the gardai hinders their ability to tackle crime effectively. Without awareness of emerging trends and patterns, stopping crime becomes nearly impossible, and farmers may become repeat victims of crime if left unchecked.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, John Cooke reports on rural crime in Ireland
The farm crime problem in Ireland
Despite there being 140,000 farmers in the country, Irish researchers have largely overlooked the topic of crime and safety in rural areas, specifically concerning agriculture. Research has instead typically focused on urban areas, but it is important to recognise that crime is not exclusive to cities.
Some studies have attempted to address this issue in Ireland. For example, a recent survey of 1,330 farm owners found that 55% of participants reported having been victimised, with 64% expressing concern over burglaries. A study examining the social realities of farming in Ireland reported that farmers had high levels of fear regarding crime, but their actual experience of it was low. While the idea of low victimisation seems positive, we know from experts elsewhere that many farmers fail to report criminal activity and see certain crimes as inevitable.
Ignoring crime or becoming fatalistic about it is not the way to go, and highlights important questions. Are such attitudes and behaviours contributing to the lack of attention given to farm crime in Ireland? Does fear reveal silence amongst Irish farmers? Do we need to encourage Irish farmers to change their habits and beliefs around crime and its prevention?
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Today With Claire Byrne, Celine Clarke from Age Action Ireland on rural crime and how to feel safer in your home
You might ask why should we be worried. But without the farming industry, we wouldn't have food on our kitchen tables. It's thanks to farmers that we have access to the fresh produce that we rely on. The agri-food sector employs 10% of Ireland's working population. Too much crime could lead to job losses and jeopardize many livelihoods. Farm businesses account for more than half of the country's export market. Without a thriving farming industry, our nation's economic growth could be at risk - especially given the current global food supply chain.
Practical advice on what we can do must be informed by evidence-based information or else policies designed to promote safety will not succeed. How we do that is by a thorough analysis of rural crime to determine if farms are attractive targets for criminals. The current level of uncertainty on the extent and impact of farm crime is ineffective and may be leaving farmers facing disadvantages in the areas where they work and reside.
Experts in rural affairs are increasingly concerned about the lack of data on crime in the countryside and call for more dialogue between stakeholders. Ireland would do well to listen and put value on their concerns when farmers speak of experiences around crime and security. Consistent engagement could inform better research, policy and practice.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland in 2022, John O'Driscoll, Assistant Garda Commissioner with responsibility for organised and serious crime, addresses concerns over rural crime rates
Some may argue that crime prevention is solely the farmers' responsibility, but I believe it is a shared one. Farming plays an important role in all our lives, so it is crucial for everyone, not just academics and politicians, to understand the significance of crimes related to agriculture. If farmers remain silent, others may speak out on their behalf - and if farmers become complacent about their security, crime rates could increase.
With farm crime on the rise globally, it is necessary to take measures in Ireland. We must go deeper than we have before and truly examine the social realities of crime in farming environments. This may be a challenging yet rewarding task for rural researchers.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
