A scheme to prevent rural crime has been launched across communities in south Wrexham.
Farm Watch is a community group uniting farmers and rural residents in a common goal of disrupting criminal activity that targets rural farming industries.
The area has previously suffered the theft of quad bikes and expensive farming equipment, but since the introduction of the initiative there has been a dramatic reduction in crime figures across the region, with only two minor crimes being reported last month.
Local PCSO’s Sally Mulvaney and Ben Madeley developed the scheme to reduce the impact and fear of crime and theft in rural and farming communities.
PCSO Sally Mulvaney said; “With the community safety team and the Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch Association, we set about organising a scheme to reduce crime, catch offenders and safeguard people’s homes and property.
“We have arranged funding from local businesses including the Farmers Union for Wales and Tern Valley insurance company. So far we have over 70 farms and rural properties signed up.
“We have produced street signs, acquired a high quality CCTV system for the area, crime reduction information and products such as UV marker pens and stickers.
“We are in constant contact with local coordinators. The good results re testament to the excellent partnership work between the local community, police and other agencies, such as the Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch Association which facilitated the project.”
Members of Farm Watch also receive regular alerts in the form of text messages, emails or phone calls, warning them about local issues of concern or how to prevent potential crime.
This communication system, nicknamed OWL watch develops community intelligence, ensuring an excellent link between the police and the rural community and acts as a deterrent to criminals.
A recent example of how OWL works showed that within five minutes of a suspect vehicle being spotted, the police and all members were aware and were monitoring the CCTV system. The police were soon proactively patrolling the area in high visibility gear.
Local resident Dilys Richards said; “This is the best thing that’s happened to this area, we have a brilliant community spirit and have had an excellent response from the police.”
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Mark Williams said; “The new Farm Watch scheme is excellent example of the community working together to tackle crime and disorder in their area. The local farmers, councillors and neighbourhood policing team have come together to send a message out to the criminal fraternity that they are not welcome in Wrexham South.”
