The Carmarthen branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales has put the spotlight on rural crime by hosting four successful information evenings across the county with PCSO Martin Dickenson, who is the Rural Liaison Officer for Carmarthen and St. Clears.

During the meetings Mr Dickenson provided information on rural crime, preventative measures such as CCTV, preventative gate theft, suspicious sales persons and general advice pertaining to a number of crime and rural matters - which was well received by members.

Further information was provided on tractor driving and related laws.

Before joining the police Mr Dickenson worked on farms as an Artificial Inseminator for Genus and Progen amongst other jobs in and around agriculture.

He grew up on a dairy farm in Wiltshire and currently runs a 72 acre beef and pig farm with his wife Nicky in Llanpumsaint, where they are developing a business selling meat boxes from their own stock.

Nicky currently works for Tysul vets in Llandysul as well as running her children’s clothing business and assisting on the farm when time allows.

FUW Carmarthenshire County Executive Officer David Waters said: “Because of his farming background Martin has been able to converse with members effectively and has shown that he understands the issues they face. He has a strong interest in all rural issues and like the FUW, feels the police force should be engaging with farmers groups.

“Members have now been provided with information leaflets on rural crime matters such as sheep worrying and we look forward to cementing our relationship with the rural police force to make the countryside a safer place.”