Rural crime cost Wales an estimate of £2.3m in 2022, a rise of 72.8% from 2021, according to NFU Mutual. Quad bikes and ATVs are particularly appealing targets for rural thieves and cause significant disruption to farming businesses when stolen.
NFU Cymru met with the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team and the High Sheriff of Clwyd to discuss rural thefts in the area and the ‘We don’t buy crime’ campaign run by the force.
Learn more about North Wales Police's 'We don't buy crime' campaign
Constant threat
NFU Cymru Group Secretary in Clwyd, Carys Roberts said: “We regularly hear from members who have been victims of rural crime. It’s a constant threat here in North East Wales and one that causes significant financial and emotional stress to those affected.
“We’re pleased to have been able to meet with police officers and the High Sheriff to relay our members’ concerns and to learn more about the work that the rural crime team are doing to tackle this issue. Of significant interest was their new campaign, ‘We don’t buy crime’ where they partner with communities and businesses to minimise crime, and catch and convict offenders.
“We would urge all farmers to make their farm as unattractive to thieves as possible, through the use of CCTV cameras, signage and of course locking up equipment and machinery. NFU Cymru has member discounts on a range of security packages, visit the NFU Cymru website for more details or give your local group secretary a call.”
As well as the meeting with North Wales Police Rural Crime Team and the High Sheriff of Clwyd, NFU Cymru has joined forces with the police to visit marts across North Wales this week. This was an opportunity to engage with members, discuss rural crime and offer crime prevention advice, including the use of SmartWater technology to protect and mark farming equipment.
Find more information on the North Wales Police website
