Crime

Welsh Conservatives call for stronger action as rural crime rises in Wales

Published

9 months ago

September 8, 2025

RURAL crime is once again in the spotlight this week as Rural Crime Action Week gets underway across the UK. The annual initiative aims to highlight the impact of theft, fly-tipping, livestock worrying and other offences that continue to affect farmers and rural residents.

Figures show that while rural crime has been falling in England and Scotland, incidents are on the rise in Wales. NFU Mutual’s latest Rural Crime Report estimated the cost of rural theft in Wales at more than £2.5 million last year, with quad bikes, tractors and fuel among the most common targets.

Kurtz demands urgent action

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said the Welsh Government must do more to support rural communities.

“Rural Crime Action Week is vitally important to the rural community in Wales. Often isolated and unheard, victims of rural crime face unique challenges that are too easily overlooked and this week will shine a light on the realities of those affected, as well as the action needed to better protect them,” he said.

“With rural crime on the rise in Wales yet falling in England and Scotland, we must do all we can to ensure we protect rural Wales and our key industries such as agriculture. The Labour Government in Wales must work closer with the local authorities and liaise with their counterparts in the UK Government in order to strategise a suitable plan to stamp out rural crime and safeguard the future of our rural communities in Wales.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales said rural crime continues to be a major concern for its members, particularly livestock worrying and fly-tipping. A spokesperson told The Herald: “The financial and emotional impact of rural crime is severe. Farmers feel targeted, and many live with the fear of repeat incidents. Stronger policing, public awareness and tougher penalties are all needed.”

Dyfed-Powys Police, which covers the largest rural area in England and Wales, has a dedicated rural crime team. Officers are carrying out patrols and community engagement events during Rural Crime Action Week. Inspector Brian Jones said: “We know the damage these offences cause. Rural crime is not victimless – it affects families, businesses and entire communities. We are committed to working with farmers and residents to deter offenders and bring them to justice.”

Recent cases in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion have seen farmers losing thousands of pounds after quad bikes and trailers were stolen from farmyards. In one case near Cardigan, a farmer reported the theft of £20,000 worth of machinery overnight. Meanwhile, dog attacks on sheep remain a persistent problem, with police reminding owners to keep pets under control.

Campaigners say the week of action is a chance to raise awareness and encourage rural residents to report suspicious activity. With political pressure building, the debate over how to deal with rural crime in Wales is set to intensify in the Senedd in the months ahead.

Crime

Portfield Gate man faces careless driving allegation after Tufton crash

Published

32 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A PORTFIELD GATE man has appeared before magistrates accused of failing to stop after a road accident on the B4329.

Tony Mallon, 32, of Chestnut Tree Cottage, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 17).

He is charged with driving a Peugeot Partner without due care and attention on the B4329 Preselly Mountain Road at Tufton on November 12, 2025.

Mallon is also accused of failing to stop after an accident in which damage was allegedly caused to a Toyota Auris, and failing to report the accident to police within 24 hours.

The case was adjourned at the request of the defence for an intermediary report to be prepared.

Mallon is due to appear again at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on July 8 for a further pre-trial review.

Crime

Milford Haven man jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order

Published

1 hour ago

June 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been jailed after admitting breaching a domestic violence protection order.

Ryan Carlmain, 33, of Plas Peregrine, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 17).

The court heard that Carlmain breached an order made by the same court on May 14 this year.

The breach took place in Milford Haven on June 10, when he attended an address at Marble Hall Road, contacted the woman concerned three times by telephone, and entered the property through a bathroom window after snapping a key off in the back door.

Carlmain admitted the breach.

Magistrates committed him to prison for two months, saying the offence was so serious because he had shown a “flagrant disregard for court orders”.

He was also ordered to pay £284 in costs, with payment due on his release.

Crime

Worcestershire man jailed after violent attack on woman in Tenby

Published

15 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant was already serving a suspended sentence when serious assault took place

A WORCESTERSHIRE man has been jailed for more than two years after carrying out a serious assault on a woman in Tenby.

Lewis Thompson-Gill, 35, of Worcester Road, Little Witley, was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm following an incident in the seaside town on December 28 last year.

A jury found Thompson-Gill guilty after a trial, having rejected his not guilty plea to the charge that he unlawfully and maliciously caused the victim serious injury.

Swansea Crown Court heard that the offence was committed while Thompson-Gill was already subject to a suspended prison sentence imposed by Worcester Magistrates’ Court on May 6, 2025.

That earlier sentence related to two breaches of a non-molestation order.

Sentencing Thompson-Gill, Recorder Paul Lewis KC imposed a total prison term of two years and four months.

The sentence comprises 20 months’ imprisonment for the grievous bodily harm offence, together with the activation of an eight-month suspended sentence in full.

The court also ordered Thompson-Gill to pay a victim surcharge of £187, which must be paid within three months of his release from custody.

The assault took place in Tenby during the Christmas period and resulted in injuries serious enough to justify the grievous bodily harm charge.

Thompson-Gill will now serve his sentence in custody.

Caption:

Lewis Thompson-Gill was jailed for a total of two years and four months at Swansea Crown Court (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police)