Local Assembly Member Paul Davies is supporting the National Rural Crime Survey, the largest ever survey to investigate the true impact of crime on communities in rural areas of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Anyone living or working in rural areas is being encouraged to take part in the survey, launched by the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN), to help build a picture of what is a widespread but often misunderstood issue.

Mr Davies said: “Crimes that are committed in urban areas like Cardiff and Newport, including violent crime, traffic offences and anti-social behaviour can also happen in Pembrokeshire, and so it’s vitally important that as many people as possible take part in this survey, so that we can accurately measure the full impact of crime on rural communities in Wales . It’s essential that we better understand the nature of crime, which of course, includes agricultural crime too. This way, we can work more effectively with the police as rural residents to better protect our communities.”

The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is supported by 28 Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces across England and Wales. The Network, established in July 2014, includes a wide range of organisations with an interest in community safety and rural affairs such as the Countryside Alliance, the CLA and Neighbourhood Watch.

Mr Davies added, “This important survey will also shed light on the human implications of crime, showing it is not just victims who are affected but also local communities. Therefore, I urge the people of Pembrokeshire to take part in the survey.”

The survey will be open until Wednesday 24 June. To complete the survey, visit http://www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/survey?member=CA
For more information on the NRCN visit: www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net