Dyfed-Powys Police has unveiled a new strategy aimed at keeping rural communities safer and cracking down on crimes affecting farms, wildlife, and heritage sites.

The force says it will increase patrols in rural areas and spend more time engaging with people at community events. Officers will also carry out more visits to offer crime prevention advice.

Inspector Matthew Howells, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Rural crime can often go unreported. We want to have a stronger presence, and expand both Farm and Rural Watch, to increase reporting. This will give us extra data to shape our patrols and disrupt criminal activity.

"Our rural crime officers will be promoting property marking and security. We want to reduce repeat victimisation and disrupt criminal activity.”

The force highlighted that in 2025 it received 49 reports of livestock theft, 42 reports of quad bike theft, and 60 reports of heritage crime.

The most common call was livestock worrying, with 60 reports over the year.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles met recently with farmers and community representatives to discuss the new strategy and updates to livestock worrying laws. The meeting was held on a farm owned by Anwen Hughes, vice-president of the Farmers’ Union of Wales, who shared her own recent loss of three lambs in an attack.

“The impact these crimes have on rural communities can’t be underestimated. People’s livelihoods and homes are intertwined,” Chief Constable Charles said.

“The new strategy puts people in the rural communities at its heart. Protecting huge rural areas of Dyfed-Powys presents a different challenge to urban areas. Our rural crime teams will work with people to understand the challenges and keep them safe.”

Farmers and rural residents are being encouraged to take part in Farm and Rural Watch schemes and to report crimes via 101 or online. In emergencies, always dial 999.