A Vale of Glamorgan farmer is appealing for help after what he says is a spate of rural crime.
Sheep farmer Ben Jones is calling for people to look out for a sheep feeder worth £300 stolen from his farm in Hensol.
In 2016 rural crime cost Wales £1.3m, according to the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report.
Mr Jones said: “We were a bit upset to say the least that something we had only bought six months ago had been taken out of the field.”
With lambing season underway, he added that thefts brought significant extra financial stress.
South Wales Police said they have to manage resources between rural and urban areas with limited funds.
PC Mark Goulding said: “It’s a challenge for us resource-wise. We have to focus on intelligence-led policing and demand, and if that demand comes from a town then that’s where we will be.
“Equally we have to try and find a balance and recognise that our rural environments also need us. They are vulnerable, they do feel exposed.”
South Wales Police reminded people to report any incidents to them.
