Quad bike thefts prompt NFU warning

Recent thefts of quad bikes in the Brecon area have prompted the NFU to urge people to be on their guard.

"This is a timely reminder to farmers to lock up their quads, particularly when they are not in use" said Mark Simpson, NFU group secretary.

"We appreciate that it is a busy time of year but we encourage farmers to do all they possibly can, in terms of locking vehicles and sheds, to reduce the risk of falling victim to these thefts."

"If you see anything suspicious please contact your local neighbourhood policing team as your local Police Officer can give crime prevention advice and will also follow up any enquiries or concerns that you may have. Your local Officer can be contacted on the new national non-emergency number of 101."

NFU Cymru is currently in the process of arranging meetings with local Police Officers to highlight that rural communities’ need 24 hours a day protection and service that they deserve from the police.

"Rural crime totalled an estimated £2.3 million during 2011, with the UK-wide cost of ‘agri-crime’ up 6 per cent to an estimated £52.7 million."

"The impact crimes such as metal, vehicle and diesel thefts and fly tipping have on rural communities are extremely negative and we will stress the need to work in partnership to tackle rural crime" Simpson said.