David Chadwick is urging the UK Government to take a tougher stance on rural crime.

The Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP asked the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby, in the Commons what she is doing to help ensure the effective prosecution of rural crime.

He said that according to the latest figures in the National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society’s rural crime report, the cost of rural crime increased by 4.3 per cent year on year to £52.8 million in 2023.

Mr Chadwick said criminal gangs are targeting farms up and down Wales, including in his constituency.

He told Ms Rigby: “Prosecution rates for livestock theft in particular are very low - often below one per cent despite the huge financial and emotional toll that this type of crime takes on farmers.

“What actions are the Government taking to tackle those low prosecution rates?”

Ms Rigby said the Government’s safer streets mission is not just about town and city centres - it applies equally to market squares and rural village greens.

She told Mr Chadwick: “Rural crime can have devastating consequences for communities.

“This Government is committed to cracking down on crime and disorder in rural areas, with tougher powers for the police to tackle antisocial behaviour and prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.

“That is why the Crown Prosecution Service works closely with local police forces to tackle those offences.

“The hon. Member raises an important issue. We know that rural and farming communities face acute and bespoke threats from criminals, including highly organised crime groups that are exploiting our rural communities.

“He has referred to livestock theft, but those communities also face fly-tipping and machinery and fuel theft.

“We are committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, and are also committed to further funding for the national rural and wildlife crime units.”

Ms Rigby said the Government has announced additional funding for those units because it recognises just how critical it is to crack down on rural crime.

She told Mr Chadwick: “I should also mention policing because our neighbourhood policing guarantee covers the entirety of this country - not just urban areas but rural areas too.”