Strengthening confidence in rural policing as force publishes new strategy

Dyfed-Powys Police is increasing patrols by rural crime officers and building stronger relationships with communities as cornerstones of its new three year Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy published this week.

Working in the largest and most rural police force area in England and Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police’s rural crime team cover a huge area. They work to tackle crimes affecting farms, smallholding, coastlines and wildlife. Their improved visibility aims to increase reporting and intelligence in these rural communities.

Taking an approach grounded in prevention, partnership and problem-solving, the force says that the strategy reflects its wider commitment to fewer victims, fewer offences and less demand on policing.

It is seeking to increase confidence in rural policing and reducing the repeat victimisation of farms, landowners and rural businesses. The force says it is focusing its engagement with communities on the problem of livestock theft, agricultural machinery and vehicle theft as well as wildlife and environmental crime which it says is often being viewed as low-level despite high community impact.

As one of the four police forces in Wales, it also aligns with the principles of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “The impact these crimes have on rural communities can’t be underestimated. People’s livelihoods and homes are intertwined.  The new strategy puts people in the rural communities at its heart. Protecting huge rural areas of Dyfed-Powys presents a different challenge to urban areas. Our rural crime teams will work with people to understand the challenges and keep them safe.” 

Read the strategy in full here – Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026-30.

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