Second Wales Rural Crime Strategy builds on success to strengthen protection

• Ambitious three-year strategy builds on successful joint approach between Welsh Government and police to tackle rural and wildlife crime
• Heritage crime becomes new priority area as Wales steps up protection of historical sites and cultural assets
• Gwent Police announces expansion of rural crime team to strengthen enforcement capabilities across the region

Rural communities and wildlife in Wales will receive greater protection under a new three-year strategy launched today at the Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Conference. 

The new Wales Rural Crime Strategy (2025-2028) continues the successful collaboration between Welsh police forces and the Welsh Government, building on achievements of the landmark first joint strategy which has helped coordinate action against crimes affecting Wales' countryside. 

Almost 100 delegates from law enforcement, government and conservation organisations have gathered at Welsh Government buildings for the Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Conference, chaired by Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison of North Wales Police. 

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Both wildlife and rural crime are issues of national and international significance. It is not only the intrinsic importance of the species, habitats and people affected by these crimes, but it is also the gravity of the links with other harmful behaviours, including serious organised crime. 

"We are confident that collaboration is the right approach for Wales – between the Welsh Government and the police and, critically, with our other partners in the statutory and NGO sectors, without who much of this work simply could not be delivered." 

The new strategy responds to evolving crime patterns, with Heritage Crime elevated to become a full priority area, reflecting increased threats to Wales' historical sites and the growing network of partners dedicated to protecting Welsh cultural assets. 

At the conference, Gwent Police announced plans to expand its rural crime team, strengthening enforcement capabilities and providing enhanced support to farming communities and wildlife protection across the region.  

Temporary Chief Superintendent, Jason White, Head of Neighbourhood Policing in Gwent, said: “We recognise that crime in rural areas has a significant impact on those affected, and our dedicated Rural Crime Team works with partners, landowners and other groups to respond to the concerns of our communities. 

“We believe partnership working is the key to addressing rural crime, which can damage livelihoods, erode trust, and leave people feeling isolated. 

“Throughout this financial year, we will be increasing the resources within our Rural Crime Team to help us tackle the issues that can have a lasting impact on our countryside communities.” 

The strategy adopts a comprehensive 4P approach – prepare, prevent, pursue and protect – to tackle wildlife and rural crime. This structured approach focuses on preparing for potential crime scenarios, preventing and deterring criminal activity, pursuing offenders relentlessly, and protecting rural communities and wildlife from harm. 

Rob Taylor QPM, Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Coordinator, said: "Our mission is to provide the best possible service to those residing and working within rural Wales, ensuring the preservation of our world-renowned farming produce, rich historical culture, and wildlife habitats for now and generations to come. 

"A coordinated and strategic approach is essential for success and sustainability. The police and our partner agencies are at the forefront of this progress, facilitating a combined approach to problem solving by utilising expert knowledge and experience throughout Wales and beyond." 

Recent figures highlight the continuing challenges, with NFU Mutual reporting rural crime claims in Wales increased from £2.4m in 2023 to £2.8m in 2024, though Wales maintains lower rates than many parts of England. 

The new strategy outlines six priority areas: Bird Crime, Farm Crime, Habitats, Heritage Crime, Mammals and European Protected Species, and Networking Rural Support Services - the latter uniquely addressing mental health vulnerabilities in rural communities. 

The Welsh Government has committed to funding the Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Coordinator position for a further three years, recognising the pivotal role this position plays in coordinating efforts across the country. 

Notes to editors

Heritage Crime Case studies 

A successful partnership 

The probation service partnered with Welsh national parks to address a post-COVID backlog of Community Payback hours, beginning with Bannau Brycheiniog as the trial site. The programme proved highly successful. Participants completed path clearing, boardwalk repairs and litter collection, allowing park wardens to focus on their core duties while enhancing public access. The initiative delivered unexpected wellbeing benefits for participants, who reported improved mental health and pride in their work. Local communities welcomed the restoration of long-overgrown paths. Following this success, the programme expanded to Eryri National Park for additional conservation work and is now planned for Pembrokeshire and Welsh Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wales Coordinator Rob Taylor noted: "This project has gone from strength to strength... providing those conducting the Community Payback with a sense of pride and wellbeing." Some participants have even pursued environmental education as a result of their experience. 

Ceredigion men arrested for wildlife crimes against Badgers. 

Dyfed-Powys Police's Rural Crime Team successfully partnered with the RSPCA to prosecute two Ceredigion men for wildlife crimes. The investigation began when a local resident witnessed and photographed suspicious activity at a badger sett in Carmarthenshire in January 2024. The Rural Crime Team, led by PC Ashleigh Jones, identified the suspects from the witness photographs and conducted coordinated arrests. Officers seized firearms, a quadbike, and hunting equipment during property searches. Their thorough investigation led to both men pleading guilty to multiple charges under the Badgers Act 1992, including interfering with a badger sett and the illegal killing of a protected species. The court handed down sixteen-month suspended sentences, with additional community service for one offender and substantial costs imposed on both men, demonstrating the Rural Crime Team's commitment to protecting wildlife in rural communities. 

Night Hawking Case Study: Modern Technology Protecting Heritage  

Police forces in Wales have successfully implemented innovative technology to combat heritage crime, particularly illegal metal detecting or "nighthawking." These crimes typically occur in remote rural locations during darkness, creating significant enforcement challenges.  

To address these difficulties, officers have deployed Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) - or drones - equipped with both optical cameras and thermal imaging capabilities. This technology allows police to efficiently monitor large rural areas regardless of lighting conditions, with thermal imaging functioning effectively in complete darkness.  

The drone systems provide real-time surveillance through livestreaming capabilities, sending footage directly to force control rooms or to officers' mobile devices in the field. This technological approach has significantly enhanced the police's ability to protect archaeological sites and cultural heritage from illegal activities in previously difficult-to-monitor locations and times. 

Farm Livestock Theft in High-Risk Rural Area 

A case of significant rural crime was prosecuted in Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court involving the theft of 73 pregnant ewes from a Carmarthenshire farm. The incident, which occurred in an area identified as having the highest proportion of livestock theft in the UK between April 2024 and March 2025, highlights the ongoing challenges of agricultural crime in rural communities. 

Following a tip-off in March, authorities recovered stolen sheep from multiple locations: some at the perpetrator's farm with identifying ear tags removed, others at an abattoir and auction mart, and additional animals traced to another farmer who had received them as payment for a debt. 

The crime represented not just a financial loss but created substantial operational disruption to an agricultural business, with the targeted animals being valuable breeding stock carrying lambs. The court imposed a 12-month suspended sentence, 250 hours of unpaid work, and over £5,000 in compensation for the rural crime. 

This case demonstrates the serious impact of livestock theft on farming communities and highlights the importance of rural crime prevention and detection measures in agricultural areas.