Farmers and landowners launch new rural crime stoppers programme

A new campaign to cut country crime across Glamorgan has been launched to put an end to opportunist thieves stealing valuable agricultural equipment and tools.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales Glamorgan county team have already been in talks with South Wales Police Commissioner Alun Michael over the increasing number of thefts and vandalism in the region.

Working with South Wales Police,* FUW County Executive Officer Rachel Saunders and members of the union’s county executive are putting in place new measures to identify and prevent rural crime.

“There are increasing numbers of incidents where valuable machinery has been taken, and it has proven to be impossible to retrieve it,” said Rachel. “Now, by building closer links between our members and the police, we aim to turn this round and make would-be thieves think again about targeting South Wales.”

First step in the campaign is to build links across the region’s farming community, making landowners – whether they are members or not – aware that there is support out there.

“The problem we have identified is that many farmers just don’t report random crime, for one reason or another. Our message is that everyone in the countryside needs to report even the most trivial offence to the police, and get a crime number,” said Rachel.

“Then we ask that they should call us at t: 01446 774838, e: [email protected],  or call in at the county office, so that we can keep a centralised record of all the crimes that have been committed, then we can get a clear idea of what the current situation is,” she said.

The aim is to evaluate just what the crime levels are, the most vulnerable targets and which areas across the South Wales force are primary targets for thieves, so that police resources can be best used.

“With this empirical evidence we shall be able to report back to the Police Commissioner at further meetings, and working together, find new ways of making South Wales a ‘no-go’ for criminals,” said Rachel. “The message is simple – working together and integrated co-operation means we shall be able to make a difference,” she added.

The new campaign will start rolling out at the local county shows across the region, with promotional material and advice on how to protect your property and possessions from theft.