July 31, 2026 - 185 views
Nearly one in four farms hit by crime as new survey highlights challenges facing rural Wales
More than one in five farms fell victim to crime during the past year, according to new research which sheds light on the continuing challenges facing rural communities across Wales – including those in North Wales.
The Farm and Rural Crime Survey, led by academics at Aberystwyth University, found that 22% of farms experienced crime over the last 12 months, with theft remaining by far the most common offence affecting agricultural businesses.
The report, based on responses from more than 150 participants, highlights concerns over machinery theft, livestock crime, property damage and environmental offences, while also pointing to the pressures faced by rural policing and support services.
For farming communities in North Wales counties, the findings echo long-standing concerns about criminals targeting isolated rural locations where expensive machinery, tools and livestock can be attractive targets.
Machinery theft accounted for 65% of all crimes affecting agricultural businesses surveyed, making it the single biggest issue facing farmers. The report also found that despite concerns over police resources, 78% of victims said they were satisfied with the police response after reporting incidents.
The survey forms part of the Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales project and has been produced by Dr Wyn Morris and Dr Gareth Norris, who have monitored rural crime trends across Wales for the past eight years.
They said the findings show police forces have made significant progress but warned that criminals continue to adapt.
"The latest results demonstrate the excellent work police forces in Wales have done to reduce the impact rural crime has on our communities and businesses," they said.
"However, each year we see new trends which require careful evaluation and targeted interventions. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the police on this important initiative and would like to thank all the survey respondents for their insight into their experiences."
The report is being officially launched on Monday, August 3, during the National Eisteddfod at the Dyfed-Powys Police stand, where researchers will outline the findings and discuss how they can help shape future policing and crime prevention.
Although the research focused on responses from rural communities across Wales, the issues are familiar to many in North Wales, where rural crime remains a priority for North Wales Police. The force regularly works with farming organisations, livestock markets and neighbouring police forces to tackle offences such as machinery theft, livestock theft, fuel theft, fly-tipping and the illegal use of off-road vehicles.
The large rural landscape of North Wales, stretching from the hills of Eryri to the agricultural communities of Anglesey and the Clwydian Range, presents unique policing challenges because of its remote locations and extensive road network.
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the findings reinforce the need for continued partnership working.
"Rural crime can have a devastating effect on communities, businesses and families," he said.
"This report provides a crucial insight into attitudes towards policing and crime across rural communities in Wales. We must continue to work together to support rural communities and understand their concerns and challenges."
Researchers hope the findings will help police, local authorities and farming organisations develop more targeted crime prevention measures, ensuring rural communities across Wales – including those in North Wales – receive the support needed to combat increasingly sophisticated criminal activity.
