RURAL crime officers will be out in force today (November 8) as Dyfed-Powys Police takes part in a national day of action.
Issues affecting people living in rural and agricultural areas will be the focus of the day, which has been spearheaded by the National Police Chief’s Council Wildlife Crime and Rural Affairs Working Group.
Operations will be run jointly with North Wales Police’s rural crime team, which Dyfed-Powys has worked closely with in establishing its own teams.
Superintendent Robyn Mason, Dyfed-Powys Police’s lead on rural crime said:
“While rural crime is firmly on our agenda as a predominantly rural force, this day of action gives us the chance to take a coordinated and strategic approach to issues with colleagues across the country.
“As well as linking with other forces, our rural crime officers will be working with teams from animal health and welfare agencies, Natural Resources Wales, and other departments within the police.”
Dyfed-Powys Police showed its commitment to tackling rural crime and working with isolated communities with the launch of a rural crime strategy in November 2017. Since then, four teams have been established to cover each division, focusing on the matters most affecting their rural communities.
The aim of the strategy is to protect rural communities through crime prevention, intelligence gathering, enforcement and reassurance, as well as addressing issues around hidden harm and vulnerability.
In it, the force vowed to develop the specialist rural skills and knowledge of police officers, staff and Special Constables, to maintain a visible presence and provide an effective response to crimes and incidents in rural and farming communities.
“It is timely that this day of action coincides with the anniversary of our rural crime strategy,” Supt Mason said.
“In the past year we have taken huge strides in our work
You can follow the teams’ activity on Twitter @DPruralpolicing or follow #ruralcrime from updates from other forces taking part.
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