Police have pledged more patrols in rural parts of north Powys

A new policing strategy aimed at tackling rural and wildlife crime will see increased patrols and closer engagement with farming communities across north Powys, including the Welshpool area.

Dyfed-Powys Police has launched its new Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy, designed to strengthen relationships with rural communities and improve the reporting and prevention of offences affecting farms, smallholdings, wildlife and historic sites.

The force says the plan will increase patrols by rural crime officers while encouraging more people in rural areas to report incidents and share intelligence.

Inspector Matthew Howells said rural crime often goes unreported and that improving visibility in communities is a key priority.

“Rural crime can often go unreported. We want to have a stronger presence, and expand both Farm and Rural Watch, to increase reporting,” he said.

“This will give us extra data to shape our patrols and disrupt criminal activity.

“Our rural crime officers will be promoting property marking and security. We want to reduce repeat victimisation and disrupt criminal activity.”

The strategy comes as police figures highlight the scale of rural crime across the force area, which covers a vast and largely rural part of Wales including Powys.

During 2025, Dyfed-Powys Police recorded:

• 49 reports of livestock theft
• 42 reports of quad bike theft
• 60 reports of heritage crime
• 60 reports of livestock worrying

Livestock worrying, where dogs chase or attack farm animals, was the most commonly reported offence.

Senior police officers recently met with members of the farming community to discuss the new strategy and concerns about livestock attacks.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles visited a farm belonging to Anwen Hughes, where discussions included recent changes to livestock worrying laws and the importance of raising awareness among rural residents.

Also attending were Dafydd Llywelyn and Rob Taylor.

During the visit, the group heard how Hughes had recently lost three lambs following a livestock attack.

Charles said the impact of rural crime on farming communities should not be underestimated.

“The impact these crimes have on rural communities can’t be underestimated. People’s livelihoods and homes are intertwined,” he said.

“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.”

Rural residents in north Powys, including those around Newtown and surrounding villages, are being encouraged to report incidents and join schemes such as Farm Watch and Rural Watch to help police build a clearer picture of crime in the countryside.

Rural, wildlife and heritage crime can be reported by calling 101 or online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website. In an emergency, people should always dial 999.