PEMBROKESHIRE’s new rural crime team has had a busy first month on the job, working to prevent sheep rustling, loneliness, and theft from farms.

The Pembrokeshire Rural Crime Team, led by PC Gerwyn Davies and PCSO Jude Parr, was launched by Dyfed-Powys Police at the County Show.

The team began work in September, after spending some time training with North Wales Police.

“We have been part of a joint operations warrant with charges made in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion for the theft of livestock, and we recovered a large number of livestock,” said PC Davies.

The Rural Crime Team were also involved in saving a 19 abandoned labrador puppies and four abandoned dogs from a Pembrokeshire farm.

The team had received reports of dogs running free on a country lane and worked with the RSPCA to bring the dogs to Green Acres Animal Rescue.

The police team has also been supporting a vulnerable farmer in Pembrokeshire, working with social services and Ty Dewi to help him.

In Angle, the team helped to investigate the death of a swan killed by a dog. This was later settled out of court.

Behind the scenes, the rural crime team has been building links with farmers and agencies which work with farmers.

They have been forging a relationship with the farming unions, the NFU and FUW, and also making regular visits to the Haverfordwest Mart.

The team has also been attending meetings of the Pembrokeshire Rural Partnership, formerly known as the Rural Crime Board, listening to issues people have.

“The first month has flown by to be honest,” said PC Davies. “We are not restricted to the county boundaries and are flexible to work with other police divisions.”

To contact the Rural Crime Team, call Dyfed-Powys Police on 101.