‘Authorities must get to grips with rural crime’
THE next UK government must take action to address rural crime, NFU Cymru has urged.
The union says farmers across Wales are increasingly concerned about incidences of criminal activity, including vehicle theft, livestock theft, fly-tipping, sheep worrying, trespass, poaching, arson, vandalism and fraud.
NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Board chairman Hedd Pugh said: “Crime in rural areas affects members of the farming community disproportionately. It costs farmers time and money, and also presents a risk to human health, farm animals, wildlife and the environment.
“NFU Cymru members are experiencing increases in various rural crime incidents that severely impact their farm businesses and strike fear and distress into our rural communities.
“Ahead of the 2017 General Election, the union is seeking clear commitments from all political parties to address rural crime issues that are having a huge impact on farming communities and agricultural businesses.”
“Whilst businesses who have been the victims of crime have taken steps to reduce the risk themselves, it is clear that much more must be done. The next Westminster government must address rural crime and ensure that future funding for policing reflects the additional costs associated with policing in rural area, and the Ministry of Justice should direct the Sentencing Council to ensure up-to-date magistrates’ court sentencing guidelines are in place for all rural crimes.
“Police forces in Wales, most notably North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Unit, have worked in conjunction with the industry to tackle rural crime head-on – and for this continued, concerted effort, NFU Cymru and its members are very grateful.”
Tackling rural crime is one of NFU Cymru’s top 10 policy asks for the 2017 General Election.