Welsh PCC candidates need to step into the countryside and make their case about rural crime-fighting

“Wales’ Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) need to prioritise rural crime and work together,” says Nigel Hollett, Director CLA Cymru, ahead of the PCC elections, running alongside the Senedd elections on 6 May. “While they are campaigning for election, PCC candidates need to focus on the large areas of rural Wales where communities have some specific crime-fighting needs.”

“Our police forces do a great job, but farms and rural businesses are targeted in the form of livestock, vehicle, machinery and newly-planted hedges and trees theft; fraud and impersonation crime, wildlife crime, criminal damage, arson, and costly damage by off-roading and fly-tipping.”

“As the election campaign started, the Welsh Government responded to our calls for a Rural Crime Taskforce by announcing the appointment of a pilot Rural Crime Coordinator to work with PCCs and police forces and with relevant stakeholders.” Nigel continues, “How this pilot works will define rural crime-fighting in Wales for the foreseeable future. Candidate PCCs need to embrace the project, work with counterparts and play their part in making the role a success and point to a permanent solution.”

“As the community’s representatives influencing high-level police strategy, PCCs have a vital role to play in raising awareness and driving police strategy in Countryside Code’s advice for countryside visitors to be safe and protect valuable livestock, crops, landscape and the environment.”

“PCCs can make a difference and can help protect rural communities through targeted funding, resourcing and training.”

“For many CLA members, rural crime is a blight, as criminals exploit rural communities’ isolation and the dispersal of valuable assets. This leaves many families, farmers and business owners feeling vulnerable and powerless.”

Nigel Hollett concludes, “Next month’s elections are an important opportunity to ensure that the next PCCs not only understand the cost and impact of rural crime, but are committed to taking a stand and reducing it.”