Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a new Farm Watch scheme in Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion.
In addition to combating farmyard and rural household theft, Farm Watch will encourage members of the farming community to be vigilant, receive valuable security advice, pool their inside knowledge and report any suspicious activity to the Police.
Farm Watch is free to join and will help improve communication between farmers and the police in order to reduce the opportunities for crime and vandalism.
The initiative will cover a wide geographical area including: Llanfair Caereinion, Castle Caereinion, Meifod, Llangadfan, Llanerfyl, Foel, Llanfyllin, Llansantffraid, Llanrhaeadr, Penybontfawr, Llangynog and Llanfechain.
PC Phil Youens from the Llanfair Caereinion Neighbourhood Manager Team said: “This collaboration demonstrates Dyfed-Powys Police’s commitment to combating rural crime and is another valuable asset in our toolbox to ensure that criminals are brought to justice. As well as farmyard and household theft, issues such as fly-tipping, illegal off-roading and livestock theft will be addressed by the scheme.
“The success of this depends upon local farmers and their support and input. We need as many involved as possible. We need to establish a two-way flow of information where all suspicious activity or crimes are reported so crime patterns can be identified and potential targets advised, and warned. Farm Watch will enable officers to advise farmers on issues such as crime prevention and provide access to other partnership agencies who can help with the challenges they face. The scheme will also allow the Police to receive valuable feedback, so we can improve the scheme where necessary to ensure Powys remains one of the safest places in England and Wales.”
Farm Watch:
- Reduce opportunities for crime and vandalism
- Have access to a designated Farm Watch Police Officer
- Access to the Ringmaster service, informing farmers of local crime and trends
- Strengthen the farming community to enable people to play a part in protecting their property
- Improve two-way communication between Police and the farming community.
For further information please contact PC Phil Youens from the Llanfair Caereinion Neighbourhood Manager Team on 101, or at:
