New figures from the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) show that rural crime incidents fell from 1,040 in 2023/24 to 545 in 2025/2026, yet the financial cost rose to nearly £4.3 million in 2025, up from £3.8 million in 2024. The issue was raised by Stirling MSP Alyn Smith during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood.
MSP Raises Concerns with First Minister
Mr Smith questioned First Minister John Swinney on NFU Mutual data indicating a 74% surge in rural crime costs in 2025. Mr Swinney acknowledged the issue, noting it was familiar from his own constituency and visible at the Royal Highland Agricultural Show. He highlighted government support through SPARC, a multi-agency partnership led by Police Scotland, and expressed concern over links between machinery theft and serious organised crime.
SPARC Marks Ten-Year Anniversary
As SPARC celebrates its tenth anniversary, representatives underscored the importance of tackling rural crime. Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks stated, “Rural crime has a significant impact on individuals, families, businesses, and the wider community. The financial loss impacts all of those working directly in local industry and can have far wider repercussions. The personal impact from certain crimes can be long-term and profound.” He added that while reported incidents have fallen, some crimes like livestock worrying and rural theft may be under-reported.
Tom French of NFU Scotland said, “Rural crime is not victimless. It affects livelihoods, mental wellbeing, animal welfare and business confidence. NFU Scotland remains committed to working closely with partners to ensure rural communities are properly supported and that crimes affecting agriculture are taken seriously.”
Iain Batho, who leads on wildlife crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), commented, “COPFS values the critical role which SPARC plays in combating rural crime in Scotland. COPFS takes such offending extremely seriously and strategic thinking and partnership working is fundamental to ensuring that those who commit rural crimes are brought to justice through the courts.”
Impact and Under-Reporting
Despite the drop in incidents, the rising cost highlights ongoing challenges. SPARC’s multi-agency approach aims to prevent crime, educate the public, and bring offenders to justice, but under-reporting remains a concern, particularly for livestock worrying and theft.
