51AVÊÓƵ

Clarkson's 51AVÊÓƵstar Kaleb Cooper has appealed to the farming community to help find his tractor which was stolen from his Cotswolds base.

Taking to social media to enlist the help of locals and fans, Mr Cooper said: "My post knocker was stolen last night. As well as the John Deere tractor. Can we please make this as hot as possible!"

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The contractor-turned bestselling author, who shot to fame on the Prime Video favourite, added: "What is going on with England at the moment?"

Mr Cooper asked people to be on the lookout for the items which were taken from his Home and Country Fencing business. The items comprise a John Deere 6630 and a post knocker.

Mr Cooper was flooded with support with one commenting: "Stealing from farmers is the most pathetic of crimes. All they're trying to do is feed us."

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According to the latest rural crime figures from NFU Mutual the estimated cost of tractor thefts rose 17% in 2024 to £1.5m as criminals sought out machines and their parts.

Likewise, trailer theft made a worrying resurgence, up 15% to £1.3m.

Rural crime

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: "In recent years we have seen rural crime becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent in nature, with thieves willing to pull out all the stops to get what they desire, and sadly we saw that trend continue in 2024."

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Of NFU Mutual agents surveyed, 92% believed rural crime was disrupting farming in their area, with 86% saying they knew farmers who had been repeat victims and 96% saying rural crime was negatively affecting farmers' mental wellbeing. The rural insurer urged farmers and their families to voice their concerns and seek support.

However, there may be hope for Mr Cooper as NFU Mutual's report also found around £4.4m worth of stolen agricultural vehicles and machinery was seized and recovered last year. Ìý