A new-look rural crime team to increase Police presence in isolated communities was launched today, September 18.
The team will focus on agricultural, environmental, wildlife and heritage crime to increase confidence and encourage reporting through preventing crime and carrying out more intelligence-led operations.
One sergeant, three constables and 35 community policing team officers will work as Wildlife and Heritage Crime Officers, operating throughout the county. An inspector will act as a tactical lead with the Special Constabulary on pre-planned operations.
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “We have made some significant advances in the way we police rural crime in recent years, however, but criminals are becoming more organised and determined, using more sophisticated technology so there is always more that can be done.
“The introduction of dedicated rural crime officers to the team will help us immensely in our ability to run projects and focus on prevention alongside our partners. As well as the extra officers, the team will also be provided with extra intelligence support to allow for intelligence-led policing in relation to prevention, detecting criminal activity and proactive operations.
Communities are encouraged to report all rural crimes, however small, via 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.