The data on theft within the agricultural sector in Alicante shows a notable reduction for the previous year, with a drop of about twenty-five percent. Data for 2020 and 2021 were heavily influenced by COVID-19 restrictions, and the Valencia Community overall experienced a sharper decline than the national average. While crimes in agriculture rose by nine percent nationally, the Community of Valencia maintained a lower incidence rate, reflecting a resilient regional trend in safeguarding agricultural activity.
Coordination
During a rural safety working group meeting, Pilar Bernabé, a government representative in the Valencian Community, shared that 2022 crime data for agriculture and animal husbandry appear positive. She emphasized the need to keep refining coordination and communication strategies so that those working in agriculture feel secure and protected. The most significant drop in rural crime within the Community occurred in Alicante Province, where the decrease reached twenty-five percent, while Valencia and Castellón saw more modest shifts of about five percent and six percent respectively.
Data for 2022 relating to animal husbandry indicate a more favorable outlook than that for general agriculture. According to the Government Delegation, crimes against animal husbandry declined by three percent nationwide, and in the Valencia Community there was a substantial thirty-four percent reduction compared to 2019. This trend underscores the effectiveness of targeted measures in protecting livestock and related activities.
These figures reflect the dedicated work of the Government Delegation and the State Security Forces and Corps. Officials noted that many rural crimes have been clarified, and in several cases property has been recovered. The clarification rate in 2022 grew by nine percent compared to 2019, signaling an improving ability to resolve offenses and deter future incidents.
At the meeting, alongside Agriculture Minister Bernabé, Isaura Navarro, President of the High Court of Justice of the Commonwealth of Valencia, Olive Column, and representatives from agricultural organizations discussed further steps. The group highlighted the importance of encouraging crime victims in rural areas to file official complaints, a process that strengthens the information base and supports a faster response from authorities.
Complaints
The Government Delegation will coordinate with other relevant self-government bodies and representative organizations to publicize the complaint handling procedures among farmers, ranchers, and water users. By improving awareness, officials aim to gather accurate information about the number of criminal offenses occurring in rural zones and mobilize the necessary resources to address them effectively.
Bernabé explained that an awareness campaign will be launched through the Agricultural Councils to inform farmers and ranchers about the proper channels for notifying authorities. The goal is to streamline the complaint process so law enforcement can act quickly and decisively, ultimately enhancing safety for rural communities and the assets they rely on.