NFU Cymru has welcomed a Welsh Government announcement that it will appoint an all-Wales rural and wildlife crime co-ordinator to help tackle the rise in rural crime in Wales.

The co-ordinator will represent Wales strategically in regards to UK rural crime initiatives, as well as forums and priority delivery group meetings.

The Welsh government says it has provided funding to commence the pilot role for 12 months.

NFU Cymru rural affairs board chairman Hedd Pugh said: “Rural crime, whether it’s attacks on our livestock, thefts of machinery or livestock, or fraud, is something that has been causing increasing concern for farmers across the country.

“We are therefore pleased to see the minister is taking this matter seriously by appointing an all-Wales rural and wildlife crime co-ordinator.

“As well as affecting farmers financially, rural crime also has an emotional impact. It is the loss of stock, the feeling of being watched by these criminals, and the feeling of unease in your own home; it is something that is happening far too often in our rural communities and something needs to be done about it.”

It comes as the cost of rural crime in the UK reached an eight year high in 2019, the latest figures by NFU Mutual show.

Countryside and farm crime cost the UK £54m in that year, an increase of almost nine per cent on the previous year.

The increase comes as organised gangs continue to target high value tractors, quad bikes and livestock.

“NFU Cymru is already working closely with police forces across Wales on a number of excellent initiatives to tackle rural crime and I would like to thank the representatives from the four forces for their continued support,” added Mr Pugh.

“We look forward to seeing more details on this new role over the coming weeks and working with the new co-ordinator as well as the rural crime teams across Wales on a comprehensive programme of measures in order to combat rural crime.”