Police and NFU warn of cuts as livestock crimes on the rise

The North Wales Police Rural Crime team and NFU are launching a crime manifesto at Royal Welsh Show
The North Wales Police Rural Crime team and NFU are launching a crime manifesto at Royal Welsh Show

Attacks on livestock in the UK is becoming 'more and more of a problem' as rural police stations face closure, according to a report.

The cost of rural crime in the UK reached £42.5m in 2015 and NFU Cymru is asking the government to increase funding to help fight the rise in incidents.

Together with the North Wales Police Rural Crime team they are launching a new crime manifesto at this year's Royal Welsh Show.

The Combatting Rural Crime report features case studies that explore issues faced by farmers and their families throughout the UK, including vehicle theft, fly-tipping and sheep rustling.

More than 1,000 rural police stations in the UK closed between 2000 and 2012, directly impacting the level of surveillance.

'Soft target'

The NFU warned that farmers should not be seen as a 'soft target' for criminals.

"Joined-up thinking is needed from police forces together with local authorities and government to address these issues," said Hedd Pugh, NFU Cymru rural affairs board chairman.

PC Dave Allen, who led the seminar on behalf of the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team, said: "It is apparent to anybody involved in agriculture that the whole issue surrounding livestock attacks is becoming more and more of a problem.

"With attacks often involving the death of animals, distraught livestock keepers and pet owners, it is plain to see there are no winners with a livestock attack.

"The focus of the seminar is about prevention and education - the nature of attacks, the scale of the problem, police response and the issues with the current legislation. Therefore, I welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with NFU Cymru to tackle this issue head on."