How has the Welsh Government worked with police, local authorities and farming unions to combat rural crime in Wales?
Wales’ first Wildlife and Rural Crime Strategy was launched at the Wildlife and Rural Crime Conference on 27 April. It is a joint strategy between Welsh Government and the police and has been specifically tailored to Wales’ needs. All stakeholders in Wales are central to the delivery of the strategy’s goals.
A co-ordinated and strategic approach will be central to the success of the strategy, and amongst the objectives are:
· Working in partnership with stakeholders to reduce crime and protect rural communities and wildlife;
· Develop effective networks to share ideas, best practice, and resources;
· Improve the knowledge and skills needed to support victims affected by crime in rural areas especially those most vulnerable;
· Provide training and opportunities to develop skills in a broad range of wildlife and rural crime issues, maximising use of partner agencies;
· Improve data collection and information sharing among partners and enforcement agencies;
· Use technology and innovation to protect rural communities and wildlife.
In 2021, Rob Taylor was appointed Wales’ Rural and Wildlife Crime Coordinator, the first role of its kind in the UK and he will be leading on facilitating the strategy.