MILLIONS of pounds of property and the mental health of farmers will be better protected following the increase in rural police officers in North Wales, a farmers’ union has said.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales praised the decision by Arfon Jones, police and crime commissioner for North Wales Police, to appoint three new PCs to the force’s Rural Crime Team.

The unit tackles rural crime across the region including dog attacks, tractor and quad bike thefts tractors, livestock rustling and badger baiting.

The newly appointed officers will join the team of four PCs and three police community support officers headed by team manager Rob Taylor, bringing its numbers up to 11 officers.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Every year rural crime costs millions of pounds and causes untold anxiety to farmers and rural businesses. North Wales police have been leading the way in making sure that rural crime is less attractive for those up to no good.

“The fact that their rural crime team will now double in size, due to increased funding, is excellent news.”

Mr Roberts said other forces across Wales “should take note” of North Wales Police’s commitment to supporting rural communities.

Sion Ifans, FUW Meirionnydd county chairman, said he is confident that the rural unit’s increased use of technology will reap good results for farmers across North Wales.

“We have a very good working relationship with North Wales Police force and can count ourselves lucky that because of their efforts, we have seen a reduction in rural crime here compared to other parts of the country,” Mr Ifans.

“However, criminals don’t rest and we were pleased to hear that the rural crime team is now also using high tech methods to combat rural crime, including drones, and that there are plans in place to introduce Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.”