THE NFU Cymru has made an urgent call for South Wales Police to provide more support to farmers plagued by a rise in violent hare coursing incidents.
The call follows fractious events in the Vale in recent weeks, which have seen farmers receiving an increasing number of threats of physical violence, shooting and arson when asking trespassing hare coursers to leave their property.
Such has been the level of concern that NFU Cymru has held two meetings with South Wales Police in a week, where farming members relayed their harrowing experiences. Many have said that they no longer feel safe in their own homes.
This further escalation has prompted NFU Cymru to write to the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools to provide ‘reassurance and urgent support’ for farmers blighted by this criminal activity. NFU Cymru says this heightened threat is a ‘compelling case’ for South Wales Police to introduce a dedicated rural crime team to address the violent behaviour of hare coursers, as well as other criminal activity including tool and machinery thefts, dog attacks, fly-tipping and livestock thefts.
NFU Cymru claimed that South Wales Police is currently the only service area in Wales without a rural crime team.
NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader said: “It is not uncommon for farmers in the Vale to experience damage to crops, damaged fences and gateways caused by hare coursing on their land. However, in the last few months what we have noticed is that those coming onto our farms are becoming more brazen, confrontational and aggressive.
“They will not leave when challenged and, moreover, will threaten anyone trying to interrupt their activities. It is the first time I can remember so many incidents of farmers being subjected to such a high level of intimidation and violence simply for confronting people conducting illegal activity on private land.”
Abi Reader added: “It has become clear from our most recent meetings with South Wales Police that the local service isn’t equipped to tackle the volume and severity of the issues our members are experiencing, alongside their day-to-day policing duties. We believe the substantial threats to our farmers – many of whom are now living in fear – provides compelling evidence that South Wales Police needs a rural crime team.”
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