New Wales Rural Crime Strategy launched

The Welsh government has launched its second Wales Rural Crime Strategy, adopting a “prepare, prevent, pursue and protect” approach to tackling wildlife and rural crime.

Launched at the Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Conference in Cardiff on Thursday (10 July), the strategy is a collaboration between Welsh police forces and the Welsh government.

Recent figures highlight the continuing challenges, with NFU Mutual reporting that rural crime claims in Wales increased from £2.4m in 2023 to £2.8m in 2024. 

See also: Co-ordinated action sees drop in rural crime cost

The new strategy outlines six priority areas including bird crime, farm crime, habitats, heritage crime, mammals and European protected species.

Networking rural support services, which also forms part of the strategy and is unique to Wales, aims to address mental health vulnerabilities in rural communities.

Organisations such as the DPJ foundation and Tir Dewi will continue working closely with the police to foster better understanding. 

Kate Miles, charity manager at the DPJ Foundation, said:

“Having positive links between policing and support organisations invariably leads to better support for those who need it.”

Being a victim of rural crime, Ms Miles said, can have serious impacts on a farmer’s mental health whether that is through livestock worrying, theft or antisocial behaviour. 

“If officers are aware that there are support organisations like DPJ and others, then they can make those farmers aware of the support and help put them in touch,” she said.

Deterring criminals

Going forward, the strategy adopts a comprehensive approach – prepare, prevent, pursue and protect – to tackle wildlife and rural crime.

This structured approach, the Welsh government says, focuses on preparing for potential crime scenarios, preventing and deterring criminal activity, pursuing offenders relentlessly, and protecting rural communities and wildlife from harm.

Rob Taylor, Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Co-ordinator, said:

“A co-ordinated and strategic approach is essential for success and sustainability.

“The police and our partner agencies are at the forefront of this progress, facilitating a combined approach to problem solving by utilising expert knowledge and experience throughout Wales and beyond.”

Strengthened crime team

Gwent Police also announced plans to expand its rural crime team before the end of the year, strengthening enforcement capabilities and providing enhanced support to farming communities and wildlife protection across the region. 

Currently a team of four, it will double in size, making it a similarly resourced team as other rural crime teams in Wales.

Temporary chief superintendent Jason White, head of neighbourhood policing in Gwent, said the police force recognises that rural crime has a significant impact on those affected.

“We believe partnership working is the key to addressing rural crime, which can damage livelihoods, erode trust, and leave people feeling isolated,” he said.

Commenting on the expansion of rural crime team, Farmers’ Union of Wales policy officer Gemma Haines said:

“The expansion of the Gwent Police Rural Crime team is a particularly encouraging development, and we continue to urge Welsh police forces to ensure adequate resources and support mechanisms are dedicated to tackling crime in our rural communities.”