As Wales experiences a surge in tourism this summer, Crimestoppers is calling on the public to help curb rural crime.

The charity has kick-started a campaign, urging people to report those behind the damage inflicted on the Welsh countryside.

This move coincides with the onset of the international tourist season when an upshot in visitors may elevate the likelihood of crime.

Despite the occurrence of crime in the countryside being lower than in urban zones, the implications of such incidents strike a profound blow to rural communities.

It adversely affects not only the victims but also the environment and the larger community as a whole.

A core element of the campaign is to ask the public to spot signs of rural crime and they then offer a safe, anonymous platform to share any useful information.

Crimestoppers functions independent of police, providing a unique alternative for the public to share what they know about crime without revealing personal details.

The time frame from April to June this year saw a 10 per cent rise in crime-related information shared with Crimestoppers Wales compared to the corresponding period last year.

This surge in information led to the passing of more than 10,000 crime reports to the police and other relevant law enforcement agencies during the past year.

Crimestoppers plans to make its appearance at the Royal Welsh Show from Monday, July 22 to Thursday, July 25.

Here, the charity expects to encourage communities to voice out their concerns about crime as well as provide safety tips and signs of rural crimes to watch out for.

Among the major crimes in Welsh rural areas are burglary, theft of farm equipment, vehicles, and machinery, livestock-related crimes, and fly-tipping.

Other series of crime include the activities of county lines drug gangs and cuckooing where drug gangs take over the homes of vulnerable individuals.

Additionally, fierce crimes like hare coursing and badger baiting, fuel theft, both domestic and commercial, heritage and cultural property crime, wildlife crime, and arson are also prevalent in these regions.

Hayley Fry, National Wales manager for Crimestoppers, said: "Our charity is very aware of how damaging crime in the countryside can be to families, communities, rural businesses, farmers, wildlife and the local environment.

"We hear from people every day who tell us about those involved in theft, fly-tipping, drug and wildlife crime.

"By telling Crimestoppers anonymously what you know whether you live in or are visiting a rural area, together we can make all the difference."

To report rural crime anonymously at any time, visit Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill out a secure online form or dial into their UK Contact Centre using 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in emergencies.