Wales-wide rural crime survey launched to measure progress

Dr Wyn Morris (left) from Aberystwyth Business School and Dr Gareth Norris from the Department of Psychology at Aberystwyth University who have developed the rural crime study.

A new Wales-wide survey on the impact of farm and rural crime has been launched by Aberystwyth University.

Funded by the Cymru Wledig Local Policy and Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Rural Wales, the ‘Rural Crime Survey - LPIP 2025’ is being conducted in collaboration with all four Welsh police forces.

Building on previous surveys carried out since 2017, which have led to changes in how Dyfed-Powys is policed, this latest study aims to assess progress made in addressing community perceptions of farm and rural crime.

The survey revisits the main issues raised in previous surveys to assess the effectiveness of interventions and the opinions of stakeholders. It is open to both farmers and rural residents served by Wales’ four police services.

The findings will inform police, farmers and rural communities, while also contributing to academic research.

The survey is divided into four key sections:

• farm theft and damage
• crime in your area
• wildlife and environment
• the impact of crime on people and wellbeing

Dr Wyn Morris from Aberystwyth Business School said:

“This survey provides a crucial opportunity to understand how far Wales has come in tackling farm and rural crime. By examining the findings alongside previous surveys, it will highlight what’s working, assess the impact of interventions, identify ongoing challenges and inform the best ways to support rural communities in the future.”

Dr Gareth Norris from the Department of Psychology added:

“Rural crime affects people’s sense of safety and wellbeing as much as it affects property. This new Rural Crime Survey will provide insights into the impact of measures taken to support communities at risk, and ensure that the voices of farmers and rural residents are heard and reflected in shaping future support and policing strategies.”

Dafydd Llywelyn, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, commented:

“We understand how deeply rural crime can affect those directly targeted and understanding the needs of our rural communities remains essential to delivering effective policing across the Dyfed- Powys area. This survey is an important opportunity for people to share their experiences and have their say by completing the survey, and I urge residents to take a few minutes to complete the survey.”

The survey can be completed anonymously online in either English or Welsh.

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