Forestry commission Wales and South Wales Police have launched Forest Watch Scheme to fight crime

First there was Neighbourhood Watch, then came Pub Watch. Now, Forestry Commission Wales has launched Forest Watch - a community crime prevention initiative targeting crime and anti-social behaviour in the woods of South Wales.

Already, Forestry Commission Wales has appointed a serving policeman - PC Andrew Scourfield - on a secondment from South Wales Police as the Commission's first Forest Crime Officer to bolster its war on people who break the law in woods throughout the South Wales Police force area.

Andrew, who will co-ordinate the Forest Watch scheme, was a key speaker during the launch at Theatr Tymaen, Afan Forest, on Tuesday 17th July 2007, where he talked about a Crimewatch-style "rogues' gallery" of crimes which take place in our woods, including burnt-out cars, fly-tipping, damage to forest barriers, drugs being hidden under turf, scrambler bikes, and forest fires.

Andrew, who took up his role in January following a six-month stint to examine the extent of crime in the south Wales forest, said, "The criminals have had it their own way for too long.”

"I want to see a noticeable reduction in forest crime. I want the south Wales forest to become a much safer environment for people and I want the criminals to know the forest is no longer a safe haven for them."

Notices, similar to Neighbourhood Watch signs visible in streets throughout the country, will be erected in certain areas of the forest notifying people that the scheme is in operation and to act as a deterrent to criminals.

The Forest Watch signs bear a logo designed by 14-year-old Laura Thomas of DyffrynComprehensiveSchool in Margam, who was presented with a plaque - along with the headmaster of her school - after winning a competition to design a logo for the scheme.

The scheme, which will involve members of the local community who have an interest in protecting their local woodlands and forests, Forestry Commission Wales, South Wales Police and local authorities, will operate in much the same way as other "Watch" schemes.

People who witness or become suspicious about any illegal or anti-social activity in the woods will be able to dial a confidential hotline or write to an email address.

It's hoped the increasing level of information will contribute to a safer forest environment for everybody to enjoy by introducing early warning systems in and around the forest and reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour.

It will also improve the flow of intelligence between the police and local communities, and improve the relationship between key agencies involved in tracking down offenders, such as the Environment Agency and local authorities.

Antony Wallis, the Forestry Commission Wales manager in charge of the south Wales forest, said, "The forest has been regarded by some selfish, anti-social people as a place for them to commit crime with impunity.

"This will no longer be the case. Forest Watch is our response to this behaviour and shows our determination to ensure that our wonderful woodlands can remain places for everyone to enjoy."

Members of the public can pass any information in strict confidence to Andrew Scourfield on 0845 604 0845or email him on forestwatch@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

PCAndrew Scourfield's Top 10 criminal or anti-social activities in the woods are:

1. Off-road trespass on motorcycles and 4x4s, presenting a number of safety issues and are a risk to themselves as well as others.

2. Criminal damage to gates, fences, picnic sites etc.

3. Fly-tipping which damages the environment and spoils the forest for visitors.

4. Auto crime, with forests being used as a dumping ground.

5. Drug dealers hiding their supplies in the forest.

6. Organised deer poaching by gangs who sell the meat.

7. Theft from contractor vehicles, during the night.

8. Car park theft, both cars and the possessions left in them.

9. Sexual activity sites.

10. Arson.

ForestStats:

Forestry Commission Wales is the government department responsible for forestry policy and looks after the 320,000 acres (130,000ha) of public forests owned by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Wales's forests cover 14% of the country's land area - equivalent to the size of Carmarthenshire. The Welsh Assembly Government owns 40% of Wales's woodlands, with the remained either privately owned or in the voluntary sector.

The south Wales valleys forest is the largest urban forest in western Europe, with 1.5 million people - 60 per cent of the population of Wales – living in or around it.

Further information:

Further information on the woodlands of Wales can be found on the Forestry Commission Wales website, www.forestry.gov.uk