MP proposes to strengthen repercussions of farming equipment theft
29th April 2025
Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Stamford, has proposed a new clause which makes theft of high value farming equipment an aggravating factor on sentencing.
The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill has been co-laid by Alicia Kearns MP, Matt Vickers MP, Harriet Cross MP and Katie Lam MP.
The bill is currently passing through the House of Commons and is at committee stage. It will be debated, and if approved by the House of Commons, it will go to the House of Lords and then be given royal assent before becoming law, local media outlet Oakham Nub News reported.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, Conservatives, said: “The loss of farming equipment at a critical time like harvest can put a halt to production, increase insurance premiums and leave farmers both financially and emotionally affected.
“Not only does farm theft impact farmers’ businesses, but so often their mental health, as their farm is both their home and business.
“That is why I have laid an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to strengthen the repercussions of rural crime by making theft of high-value farming equipment an aggravating factor on sentencing. I hope the government will accept it.”
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