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A recent surge in rural crime is troubling communities in areas like west Wales, according to NFU Cymru, which has reported up to 20 farm thefts in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire over the last few months.
One Pembrokeshire farmer, whose quad bike was stolen, described the impact as significant and unsettling for his family, who now feel uneasy on their property at night. Dyfed-Powys Police suggest the offenders likely scouted the farms beforehand to identify their targets.
Incidents have been widely discussed on social media, with thefts reported in areas such as Llanwnnen, Crosswell, Milford Haven, Rosebush, and the Gwaun Valley.
Mark Davies, a farmer from north Pembrokeshire, experienced a theft on a bank holiday Monday in August, when a quad bike was taken from his calving shed at around 1:10 am. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows two individuals wheeling the bike away.
Davies, who depends heavily on the quad bike, expressed frustration over the intrusion, noting that it had a considerable impact on his family’s sense of safety. “We’ve got three daughters, and now everyone is anxious about going outside at night,” he said.
Quad bikes, valued by farmers as highly as sheepdogs, are essential for many farming tasks. New models can cost up to £10,000, making their theft a significant financial blow.
Aled Davies, NFU Cymru’s county adviser for Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, warned of a “worrying trend” in rural crime in the region, noting the prevalence of organized crime that appears to “steal to order.” He emphasized the mental toll on farmers, who must protect expansive properties that are challenging to secure completely. Practical steps such as locking up quad bikes, using trackers, and installing CCTV can help, he added.
Insurance data from NFU Mutual indicates a 4.3% increase in rural crime costs across the UK in 2023, reaching £52.8 million. Theft of quad bikes and ATVs accounted for an estimated £3.2 million of this, reflecting a 9% rise from the previous year. Rural crime in Wales alone saw a 6.7% increase.
PC Jonathan Thomas from Dyfed-Powys Police acknowledged the troubling rise in rural crime, particularly during nighttime hours. “These incidents not only disrupt communities but also erode residents’ confidence in their safety,” he stated, adding that the thieves likely have a strong familiarity with local routes, suggesting prior visits to these areas.
Aled Davies and others call for greater police presence in rural communities to deter crime. “We would welcome more support from the police to make these areas safer,” Davies remarked.
PC Thomas emphasised the impact of rural crime on communities, acknowledging both the material and emotional toll on farmers and residents who feel targeted and vulnerable.
