10-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Strategy unveiled at Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Conference
This commitment comes as part of a new three-year strategy unveiled at the Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Conference, which aims to tackle offences across the Welsh countryside through a joint approach between police and the Welsh Government.
Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales' deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, 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."
The second Wales Rural Crime Strategy, covering 2025 to 2028, builds on the progress of its predecessor and introduces heritage crime as a new priority.
This reflects growing threats to Wales' historical sites and cultural assets.
At the conference, Gwent Police announced plans to expand its rural crime team to boost enforcement and support for farming communities and wildlife protection.
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.
"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 follows a 4P model—prepare, prevent, pursue, protect—focusing on readiness, deterrence, offender pursuit, and shielding rural communities and wildlife from harm.
Rob Taylor, Wales wildlife and rural crime co-ordinator, welcomed the renewed focus.
Mr Taylor 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."
The Welsh Government has committed to funding the co-ordinator role for a further three years, highlighting the importance of a joined-up approach to tackling rural and wildlife crime.
