* Pictured above PCSO Lee Garratt from our local police force promoting 'Farm Watch' to local farmers at Talgarth Market on Saturday
FYI joined PCSO Lee Garrett and PCSO Helen Scott from our local force, as they attended the Saturday sheep auction at the livestock market in Talgarth. The officers were keen to promote two issues that are hugely dependent on community uptake. The first is Dyfed Powys Community Messaging system. The initiative aims to prevent and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in local communities. By signing up to the scheme at https://www.dyfedpowyscommunitymessaging.org/en/ (in English) or https://www.dyfedpowyscommunitymessaging.org/cy/ (in Welsh) you could alert officers to potential crime and concerns within the community. You can also download an App from the App store DPCM or you can notify by email/SMS or voice messages which will go direct to your local police officers.
The second was 'Farm Watch'. With increasing amounts of live stock and machinery disappearing the police force are very keen to get local farms and small holders to sign up to the scheme.
Superintendent Jon Cummins gave us this statement regarding the benefits of joining Farm watch to FYI Talgarth.
The Farm Watch scheme is a valuable resource to Dyfed Powys Police in our fight against rural crime. By using your knowledge and awareness of what is happening on and around your land, you can help to reduce crime and deter criminals.
Powys Farm Watch already has around 500 farmers registered, who provide valuable support and assistance - both to other Farm Watch members and to police officers who deal with rural crime.
Farm Watch helps reduce opportunities for crime to occur in farming and rural communities. Essential to this is encouraging people to report suspicious incidents to the police as they occur and also share the information with other Farm Watch members. As well as helping to deter crime, this strengthens community spirit, with everyone working together to protect their property.
Superintendent Jon Cummins of Powys says “Farmers often have a great deal of capital spread over a large expanse of land. Some stock and equipment is portable and can be relatively easy to steal. Whilst property can never be made totally secure, becoming a Farm Watch member undoubtedly reduces the risk of becoming a victim of farming or rural crime”.
“I'd encourage farmers in Powys, or any members of the rural community who feel they may benefit, to sign up to Farm Watch as soon as possible. The scheme relies on farmers working together, and with us, by getting involved to help share information and to show the criminals that you are being proactive in tackling crime.”
FYI went for a walk around Talgarth talking to local people about the benefits of the Community Messaging Scheme.
If you would like to know more about either scheme more information can be got from
https://www.dyfedpowyscommunitymessaging.org/en/ (English)
https://www.dyfedpowyscommunitymessaging.org/cy/ (Welsh)
or direct to Dyfed Powys Police at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/ (English)
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/cy/ (Welsh)
If you wish to contact the PCSO Lee Garrett or PCSO Helen Scott they can be reached by :
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/your-area/powys/brecon/hay-and-glasbury/
(With thanks to Sunderlands the Auctioneers).
Sheep rustling has become an increasing problem, the promotion of FARM WATCH hopes to deter theft
PCSO Lee Garratt and PCSO Helen Scott with local farmer and leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Roger Williams who was attending the market
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