A FARMWATCH scheme set up in the Crymych area and Preseli Hills to combat rural crime has proved so successful that it is to be extended.

It will now be rolled out to the north of Cardigan, from Penparc up to Llangrannog.

The initial RuralWatch Preseli South Ceredigion scheme project was set up at the beginning of 2018 with Police Community Support Officers from Cardigan’s Neighbourhood Policing Team working closely with the farming community.

PCSO’s have become a familiar sight at Crymych Mart every week and they have also been responsible for crime prevention advice and rolling out SelectaDNA kits to mark valuable farm equipment that could prove attractive to would-be thieves.

Signs clearly indicate that the farm is part of the scheme to act as a deterrent.

A Farmwatch Facebook group has been set up encourage farmers to share information and highlight anything suspicious to neighbours, while officers have also been engaging with the younger generation through the Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Sergeant Delme Jones, from Cardigan Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have been working alongside various farming organisations and the Farmwatch scheme has been well received and has made a real difference.

“The farming community has tended in the past not to want to bother the police but we are breaking down any barriers that may exist so people feel comfortable in reporting things to us.

“We want to know what is going on and for farmers to know that we are here to help.”

Dyfed-Powys Police also now has a dedicated rural crime team as part of its rural crime strategy.