Welsh farmers have voiced their concern about the way crime impacts their farming businesses.
Newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, met with a small group of local farmers last week to discuss the issues.
Among those discussed during the Wednesday 17th August meeting was illegal off-roading, which continues to cause "significant damage to the environment", according to farming union NFU Cymru.
Farmers also raised concerns about vandalism to property and boundaries, which can result in livestock straying onto roads and lead to potential accidents.
Fly tipping was also on the agenda as this remains a problem for a number of farmers in Wales.
Other concerns raised at the meeting surrounded the reporting of crimes, with farmers voicing frustration about the 101 police non-emergency number due to delays in the calls being answered.
There was further discussion among farmers whose land sits across boundary police force lines as to how neighbouring police forces could collaborate more effectively when investigating reports of crime.
Rural crime 'very important'
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said: "The meeting gave me the opportunity to stress that we regard rural crime, including crimes on farms, as very important.
"I’m also grateful for the comments and observations of the local farmers about how crime is impacting upon their businesses.
"I urged the farmers to make sure that they always report incidents in a timely manner and to let us know if they’re not satisfied with the response. This meeting was a good example of local engagement."
Rural Police Office for Gwent, Allan Mills, was also present at the meeting and discussed equipment and methods, including trackers and alarm systems, that could be used to help prevent farmers become the victims of theft.
He also urged farmers to be vigilant in always removing the keys from unattended vehicles.
