Police investigating rural thefts in Mid Wales

Dyfed-Powys Police said a number of items were taken during break-ins over the last few days.

A livestock trailer was taken from the Churchstoke area on Thursday and police say it is possible a number of cattle passports were also stolen from a farmyard off the A489 near Churchstoke.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a luminous yellow and orange DiamondBack mountain bike was taken from the Bronybuckley area of Welshpool.

The thefts have sparked the force to urge people to keep alert in relation to rural and farm thefts.

People should keep records of chassis and serial numbers to assist with identification of any stolen items.

It is advised to try and park other vehicles by trailers and horseboxes to block them as a deterrent.

It is also important to make notes of any suspicious vehicles and people in the area.

The force has also set up a Farmwatch scheme urging residents living in rural ears to become the “eyes and ears” of their community.

Sgt Gareth Jones said: “There are additional challenges in rural communities compared to our other areas.

““The loss of equipment, metal and livestock may not be noticed immediately, and its detection can often be difficult and it has an impact on people’s livelihoods.

“Police will do everything we can to help, and one of the most vital things the farming community can do is to help us build up a picture of who is behaving suspiciously around farms. Many thefts are planned in advance, criminals may check out a property in a bid to assess security and property and it is this that you can help us with.”

Anyone with information should contact Dyfed Powys Police on 101.