Wrexham Glyndwr policing students’ research to be used by rural officers

Research carried out by a Wrexham Glyndwr University student is being used by Dyfed-Powys Police to consider how they deal with rural crime issues.

Holly Adams, 23, from Meifod, near Welshpool, was previously a Special Constable with Dyfed-Powys Police for three-and-a-half years.

Now a final-year student on the Professional Policing Degree course at Glyndwr, she has carried out research on the issues relating to rural crime in her local area as part of her studies.

Having shared the results of her research with senior officers at Dyfed-Powys Police, Holly’s work could now influence the way the force handles aspects of rural crime in the north Powys area.

Speaking about her work, Holly said: “In my time as a Special, I became interested in rural crime so decided to choose that as the basis for my research project, focusing on the neglect the police are perceived to have towards rural crime, and focusing on my local area.

“I sent an online survey to members of the local community to hear the views and experiences on policing in the area, what contact they’ve had and what they feel are the key issues.

“That research has been sent off to Dyfed-Powys Police to have a look at and sent off to their rural crime team.”

Holly’s work has been welcomed by Superintendent Craig Templeton of Dyfed-Powys Police.

Speaking about the content of her research, Holly added: “I asked the respondents what they felt were the most common issues in the area.

“At the top of the list was equipment machinery theft, but quite a few people selected drug offences which you wouldn’t necessarily imagine to be a rural crime issue.

“I also asked about the service the police provide. A lot of respondents said that the police did not take rural crime seriously however there was also a majority who did say the police were well-equipped to deal with rural crime and that they were providing a sufficient presence, so it’s a bit of a mixed picture.”

Professional Policing Lecturer Andy Jones says feedback from Dyfed-Powys Police has been that the quality of Holly’s work is so high, it is going to be influential in their future strategies for dealing with rural crime issues in that area.

He said: “We’ve got a lot of really good links with police forces including Dyfed-Powys Police. We asked whether they would be interested in seeing this research and they have shared it at a strategic level and with the Rural Crime Team.

“It is a case of undergraduate research informing practice which is amazing, and it is actually going to be used by them to look at what they can do to improve trust and confidence in the Dyfed-Powys area of Meifod.

“It’s so impressive that the research is of such a standard and so in tune with local issues that it is being used to inform practice. We’re very, very proud and the research shows there are potential gains for Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to trust and confidence issues in the Meifod area.”

To find out more about the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Degree, visit the Wrexham Glyndwr University website.