Rural policing in Gwynedd is to be beefed up with the appointment of three new police constables.

Three extra officers will be added to the North Wales Rural Crime Team of four PCs and three police community support officers headed by team manager Rob Taylor, bringing its numbers up to 11 officers.

The announcement was made by North Wales police and crime commissioner Arfon Jones at the Merioneth County Show in Harlech last week.

The team is also using high tech methods to combat rural crime, including drones and plans are in place to introduce Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras on the road between Dolgellau and Barmouth.

Experts say the pioneering task force has set a benchmark for policing the countryside in the UK.

Arfon Jones, a former police inspector who was brought up on a farm in the Harlech area, said: “North Wales is a huge rural area and we need to provide an equitable service for all the residents of the region. While we are very successful in targeting the criminals committing a range of crimes from badger baiting to stealing tractors, quad bikes and livestock, we feel there is a need for greater capacity.

“This is a field where north Wales is leading the way and the team led by Rob Taylor is doing a fantastic job and being recognised for the way they are dealing with rural crime and wildlife issues but it is vital to continue to support them.

“They have also been integral to the formation of similar teams in Dyfed-Powys, with whom we work very closely, and in Gwent.

“The extra staff in north Wales will mean that these partnerships and those neighbouring forces in England will be strengthened."

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