Scrap metal, diesel and even fertilizer have been stolen from remote farms as prices went through the roof earlier this year.

Farmers and remote homeowners are being encouraged to increase security at their properties and padlock tanks containing heating oil.

Llewellyn Moules Jones, from Gaerwen, is the county chairman for NFU
Cymru and says he has had to padlock and chain most of his metal gates to prevent them being stolen.

"One of the biggest issues that we have is until February there was a police farm liaison officer and he was absolutely brilliant," said Mr Moules Jones.

"But unfortunately the chief superintendent axed the post and we have these beat managers and community officers trying to do the same job.

"Although we appreciate having them they not as effective as having somebody doing it as a full time job.

"I've spoken to quite a few farmers at the Anglesey Show and they said they have had problems with gates being stolen and they have to be more vigilant.

"It cost me £1,200 to fill my tank with diesel and we are encouraging people to padlock their tanks.

"If prices continue to increase the problems could get worse. I heard of one farmer who had some huge girders stolen which must have been a two to three man job to lift them," he said.

Though diesel prices are still sluggish to come down steel prices have dropped sligtly to £120-150 per tonne.

A North Wales Police spokeswoman said: "In recent months North Wales Police has seen an increase in scrap metal and fuel thefts.

"Officers are fully aware of the situation and investigate all crimes, not only on an individual basis but by also taking in the wider picture in the region.

"Anyone who may have information in relation to rural crime is asked to contact officers on 0845 6071001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Contact details for local Community Beat Managers and Police Community Support Officers can also be found on the force website on www.north-wales.police.uk."