Farms Pc job scrapped

Farmers' leaders say their members remain vulnerable to crime

A decision by North Wales Police to scrap the role of an officer to protect farms has been criticised by an agricultural union.

Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom has decided to replace the position of rural intelligence office with community beat managers.

"This is a short-sighted move that will deprive vulnerable rural areas of a dedicated officer with the necessary expertise to assist the farming and wider rural community," said Huw Jones of the Farmers' Union of Wales.

But the force said the loss of the post would provide a new structure which "will provide a better service the length and breadth of the force area".

It would be far better if the Chief Constable devoted greater resources into catching burglars and violent offenders Huw Jones, FUW

The rural officer, currently a detective constable, attends meetings of the countryside protection group Farmwatch and relays items of concern directly back to police headquarters in Colwyn Bay.

The FUW claims several crimes have been committed at farms in recent months, including the theft of farm bikes, fuel and tools.

Peace of mind

"Farmers will be angry when they learn that this position has been abolished without any consultation whatsoever," said Mr Jones.

"Rural crime is on the increase.

"It would be far better if the chief constable devoted greater resources to catching burglars and violent offenders in order to improve the peace of mind of the law-abiding residents of north Wales," said Mr Jones.

Last year the force announced that an additional 100 officers were being recruited in an attempt to relieve the pressure on existing staff.

Many of these have become community beat managers.

A North Wales Police spokeswoman was unable to confirm how many community beat managers will be put in place.

They have been funded by an increase in council tax across north Wales local authority areas.