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The farming community in Wales is facing a growing threat from organised crime groups who are targeting farms for theft, particularly of valuable equipment like quad bikes and 4x4s, according to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Cymru. Abi Reader, the deputy president of NFU Cymru, highlighted the intrusive nature of these crimes, with thieves often knowing where the items are kept and even where the keys are located. This kind of targeted theft can have a significant emotional and financial impact on farmers, as these items are essential for their day-to-day work.
Rural crime in Wales saw an 18% increase in cost in 2024, reaching £2.8 million, contrasting with the decreasing trend seen across the rest of the UK. Ms. Reader emphasized the wide range of issues faced by farmers, including livestock theft, dog attacks, and fly-tipping, in addition to equipment theft. The theft of quad bikes is a particular concern due to their high value and importance in farming operations. She expressed worries about the repeated nature of these crimes, as organised crime groups continue to target rural communities, making farmers feel vulnerable and under threat.
Some farmers, like Garry Williams who runs a farm in Carmarthenshire, have taken steps to increase security by installing CCTV and using trackers on their vehicles. However, Mr. Williams highlighted the mental stress caused by rural crime, noting that thieves have targeted not just equipment but also livestock, leading to financial losses and emotional turmoil. He echoed concerns about organised crime groups becoming more daring, willing to resort to violence, making the farming community feel increasingly unsafe. Fly-tipping and dog attacks are additional challenges faced by farmers in remote areas, further adding to the burden of rural crime.
While collaboration between farmers, police, and insurers has led to some success in combating rural crime across the UK, the increasing threat in Wales calls for more resources to be allocated to tackle this issue effectively. Dyfed-Powys Police acknowledged the significant impact of rural crime on victims and the wider community, highlighting their efforts to conduct crime prevention audits on farms and provide DNA marking kits to protect equipment. However, farmers like Mr. Williams stressed the need for a more consistent and dedicated approach from law enforcement to address the ongoing challenges posed by organised crime in rural areas
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