The announcement by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones at Meirionnydd county show (Wednesday, 28 August), that three extra police constables will be added to the North Wales Rural Crime Team has been hailed as excellent news by the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
The three new crime fighters will join the team of four PCs and three Police Community Support Officers headed by team manager Rob Taylor, bringing its numbers up to 11 officers.
Responding to the announcement, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Every year rural crime costs millions of pounds and causes untold anxiety to farmers and rural businesses. North Wales police have been leading the way in making sure that rural crime is less attractive for those up to no good.
“The fact that their rural crime team will now double in size, due to increased funding, is excellent news. Other police forces across Wales should take note of their approach in supporting the rural community and we can only commend the Police and Crime Commissioner for his efforts and determination to make North Wales a safer place for us all.”
FUW Meirionnydd County Chairman Sion Ifans added: “We have a very good working relationship with North Wales Police force and can count ourselves lucky that because of their efforts, we have seen a reduction in rural crime here compared to other parts of the country.
“However, criminals don’t rest and we were pleased to hear that the rural crime team is now also using high tech methods to combat rural crime, including drones, and that there are plans in place to introduce Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras on the road between Dolgellau and Barmouth.”