FARMERS, rural business owners, landowners and those involved in the rural economy across North Wales are being invited to a rural crime prevention event in Ruthin this May, aimed at helping communities strengthen their security both online and on the farm.
Jointly organised by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), North Wales Police’s Cyber Crime Team and Rural Crime Team, the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales, and farming charity Tir Dewi, the event will provide practical advice, expert insight and the latest information on emerging threats affecting rural communities.
Taking place on May 21 at Ruthin Town Hall, the interactive session will focus on how to protect rural property, livestock, machinery, land and livelihoods from increasingly sophisticated crime patterns—both physical and cyber‑related.
Attendees will hear from specialists in rural policing, crime prevention and community safety, with opportunities to ask questions, raise local concerns and help shape future priorities for protecting North Wales’ countryside.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin commented: “Keeping our rural communities safe is key priority in my Police and Crime Plan for North Wales.
“The ‘Preventing rural crime: Staying secure online and on the farm’event will bring together expertise, practical tools and trusted partners to help farmers and residents protect what matters most.
“By working together, we can strengthen resilience and support the people who sustain our rural economy.”
Dr. Peter Harlech Jones, Chairman of Tir Dewi said: “Rural life brings many rewards, but it also brings real vulnerabilities.
“This event is about looking out for one another – sharing practical advice, building confidence and helping people feel safer both online and on the farm.
“By coming together with trusted partners, we can strengthen the resilience of our rural communities and support the families who sustain them.”
PC Dewi Owen from North Wales Police’s Cyber Crime Team added: “Cyber attacks are no longer confined to the city or large corporations.
“Our rural businesses and farms are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated digital scams, from invoice fraud to equipment theft facilitated by online reconnaissance.
“Cyber criminals don’t stop at the farm gate, and we are seeing an increase in rural businesses being targeted by sophisticated online scams and data theft.
“This event is a fantastic chance to learn more about how to build your ‘digital fences’ just as securely as your physical ones. We strongly encourage everyone in the rural community to join us at Ruthin Town Hall.
“It’s an opportunity get tailored advice to specific concerns that you may have and to ensure that you have the tools that you need to stay one step ahead of the fraudsters.
“By working together to combine physical security with strong cyber security, we can ensure that the North Wales rural economy remains a difficult target for criminals.”
Event Details
- Date: May 21, 2026
- Time: 18:00 arrival for a 18:30 start, finishing at 20:45
- Location: Ruthin Town Hall, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1BE
- Cost: Free of charge
- Booking: Digwyddiad atal troseddau cefn gwlad / Preventing rural crime event – Fill in form
This event is designed for:
- Farmers and agricultural workers
- Rural residents
- Landowners and rural business owners
- Community partners and local organisations
Whether attendees want to upgrade their security, better understand current cyber and physical threats, or build stronger relationships within the rural community, the session offers valuable support and guidance.
