Crime

Rural crime in Wales rises despite UK-wide decline

Published

1 year ago

June 16, 2025

Farmers targeted as organised thefts cost £2.8m in 2024

THE COST of rural crime in Wales rose by 18% last year, despite a sharp decline across the rest of the UK, according to new figures published by NFU Mutual.

The UK’s leading rural insurer said crime in the Welsh countryside cost an estimated £2.8 million in 2024—up from the previous year—making it the only UK nation to see an increase. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland recorded significant drops of 33% and 9% respectively.

NFU Mutual’s Rural Crime Report 2025, released on Monday (June 16), reveals that quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remain top targets for criminals. These thefts cost farmers across the UK an estimated £2.7 million in 2024, even though the overall number of incidents fell by 16%.

Agricultural vehicle thefts dropped by 35% to around £7 million, while the theft of GPS equipment—previously a growing trend—fell by 71% to £1.2 million after a spike in 2023.

***Police check vehicle: Union says a rural crime crackdown is needed (Image: File)***

Livestock theft remains a serious concern, costing UK farmers £3.4 million last year. In many cases, more than 50 sheep were taken in a single raid, with NFU Mutual warning that the practice has become increasingly organised and coordinated.

Dog attacks on farm animals also led to losses of around £1.8 million, although this figure was down by more than 25% compared to 2023.

Owen Suckley, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager for Wales, said: “In recent years we’ve seen rural crime becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent. Sadly, we saw that trend continue in Wales throughout 2024.”

He added: “It’s not just about financial loss—these crimes have a real impact on the mental wellbeing of farming families. Farmers are left fearful and exhausted, constantly worrying that thieves will return.”

While Wales has seen a rise in rural crime, the wider UK picture shows some improvement. The total cost of rural crime across the UK dropped by 16.5% to £44.1 million, thanks in part to better coordination between police, farmers, insurers, and government.

In 2024, a joint initiative led by the National Rural Crime Unit and NFU Mutual helped recover £4.4 million worth of stolen farm machinery. NFU Mutual also funded the UK’s first dedicated livestock theft prevention officer, whose work will continue until at least 2027.

A survey of NFU Mutual’s rural insurance agents found that:

92% believe crime is disrupting farming activity in their area;
86% know of farmers who’ve been repeatedly targeted; and
96% believe rural crime is negatively affecting mental health in the farming community.

NFU Mutual has pledged more than £400,000 in funding for rural crime prevention initiatives during 2024 and is urging farmers to remain vigilant. The insurer is also calling on rural communities to report suspicious activity and work together to combat crime.

Speaking about the figures, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “These figures are both alarming and deeply disappointing. Rural communities in Wales are being let down.
Criminals see the countryside as an easy target, and it’s vital that we invest in both policing and preventative infrastructure to reverse this trend.
However, the UK Labour government’s Spending Review will make policing more difficult and shows once again that rural issues just aren’t on Labour’s radar.
Farmers need real support – not just from the police, but from government – to feel safe in their homes and secure in their livelihoods. I will continue to stand up for these communities and make sure their voice is heard.”

Farmers are encouraged to download the full report and access crime prevention advice at:
👉 www.nfumutual.co.uk/farming/rural-crime/

Crime

Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000

Published

9 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.

Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.

The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.

Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.

Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.

Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.

They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.

Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.

A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.

At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.

Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.

Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.

“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”

After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.

He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”

Photo caption: Drugs seized:

Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).

Crime

Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts

Published

11 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

Crime

Shop theft admitted after alcohol stolen from Haverfordwest store

Published

11 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.

Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.

The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.

Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.

Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.