April 08, 2026 - 169 views
Farmers, landowners and rural businesses across North Wales are being encouraged to take steps to protect themselves against crime, as a major prevention event is set to take place in Ruthin this May.
The free session, organised by North Wales Police in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales and Tir Dewi, will bring together experts and residents to address the growing threat of rural crime.
Taking place at Ruthin Town Hall on May 21st, the event will focus on both traditional and emerging risks facing the countryside, from theft of agricultural machinery and livestock to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.
Rural crime continues to have a significant financial and emotional impact across Wales, with industry figures suggesting it costs millions of pounds each year. In North Wales, police have repeatedly warned that high-value items such as quad bikes, trailers and farm equipment are prime targets for organised criminals, often stolen within minutes and transported out of the area before they can be traced.
At the same time, officers say cybercrime is becoming an increasing concern for rural businesses. As farms and estates rely more heavily on digital systems, criminals are exploiting weaknesses through phishing emails, invoice fraud and account hacking, leaving victims facing potentially devastating losses.
The Ruthin event is designed to give those living and working in rural areas practical advice on how to better protect themselves. As well as offering guidance on securing property and equipment, specialists will provide insight into the latest online threats and how to guard against them.
Organisers say the evening will also give attendees the chance to raise concerns directly with police and partner organisations, helping to shape future responses to crime in rural communities.
With isolated locations often making farms and rural businesses more vulnerable, officers believe that sharing information and building stronger local networks is key to prevention.
The event will begin with arrivals at 6pm, followed by presentations and discussion running through to 8.45pm. Attendance is free, but places must be booked in advance.
Police say the message is clear: as rural crime evolves, so too must the response — and staying informed is one of the most effective ways to stay protected.
