Police appeal to join north Powys Farm Watch scheme

Farms in parts of north Powys are being urged to join a network to protect themselves from rural crime.

Dyfed-Powys Police have called on farms in the Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin areas to join Farm Watch.

Members will be given advice on preventing vandalism and theft and it is hoped the scheme will build links between police and farmers.

Police have warned in the past about the theft of quad bikes and farm machinery.

The new Farm Watch scheme will cover Llanfair Caereinion, Castle Caereinion, Meifod, Llangadfan, Llanerfyl, Foel, Llanfyllin, Llansanffraid, Llanrhaeadr, Penybontfawr, Llangynog and Llanfechain.

Pc Phil Youens of Dyfed-Powys Police in Llanfair Caereinion said: "As well as farmyard and household theft, issues such as fly-tipping, illegal off-roading and livestock theft will be addressed by the scheme.

"The success of this depends upon local farmers and their support and input.

"We need as many involved as possible.

"We need to establish a two-way flow of information where all suspicious activity or crimes are reported so crime patterns can be identified and potential targets advised, and warned.

"The scheme will also allow the police to receive valuable feedback, so we can improve the scheme where necessary to ensure Powys remains one of the safest places in England and Wales."