Wildlife and rural crime can come in many forms such as the theft of agricultural equipment, devastating livestock offences and the destruction of wildlife and their habitats.
Rural theft alone was valued to cost £1.3 million in 2021.
The joint strategy, between the Welsh Government and Wales’ four police forces, will be key in the fight against such offences. A co-ordinated and strategic approach will be central to the success of the strategy which is being launched.
Amongst the objectives of the strategy are:
- Working in partnership to reduce crime and protect rural communities and wildlife;
- Develop effective networks to share ideas, best practice, and resources;
- Improve the knowledge and skills needed to support victims affected by crime in rural areas especially those most vulnerable;
- Provide training and opportunities to develop skills in a broad range of wildlife and rural crime issues, maximising use of partner agencies;
- Improve data collection and information sharing among partners and enforcement agencies;
- Use technology and innovation to protect rural communities and wildlife.
The strategy has been tailored to Wales’ needs and will be delivered through six priority groups – Bird Crime; Farm Crime; Habitats; Mammals and European Protected Species; Welsh Police Rural Supervisors; and Mental Health and Domestic Abuse.
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