BEN Lake MP has expressed concerns following a recent report that showed a sharp rise in the cost of rural crime levels in Wales.

Estimates from NFU Mutual, which insures more than 75 per cent of farms in the UK, showed the cost of thefts from rural homes, business and farms in Wales for 2017 stood at £1.9 million - an increase of 41.4 per cent on costs incurred in 2016.

The increase in Wales compares poorly with a rise of 13.4 per cent across the rest of the UK, which saw costs increase from £39.2m in 2016, to £44.5m in 2017.

The most targeted items were quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles, followed by tools, machinery, and livestock.

Ben Lake MP, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster spokesperson for agriculture and rural affairs, said: “All too often I am contacted by farmers who have unfortunately been targeted by criminals – and these latest figures merely underline the fact that rural crime remains a devastating problem across Wales.”

“Police forces across the UK are under increasing pressure after years of reductions to the core funding received from the Home Office, and rural forces such as Dyfed-Powys must also cope with the unique demand that policing a large geographic area entails.

“It is vital that our police forces are given appropriate and sufficient resources to tackle the demands of their respective areas.

“I would urge anyone that is a victim of rural crime to contact Dyfed-Powys Police directly, or the newly launched Rural Crime Reporting Line by ringing 0800 783 0137 or by visiting their website.”