Rural crime surge prompts overhaul
Rural crime is currently in the spotlight, with NSW Police improving their skills and targeting stock theft, firearm theft and illegal trespass.
The NSW Police Force announced last week it will deploy more specially trained rural crime officers to regional centres in response to continued high levels of rural crime.
The overhaul also includes proposed changes to legislation that will see tougher penalties for criminals, as well as training for general duties police to improve basic rural crime skills.
Stock theft continues to account for most rural stealing events, with the highest levels of stock theft occurring in the New England Local Area Command, followed by Monaro and Darling River.
Sheep theft remained highest across the state, followed by cattle theft. Firearm theft also remains an issue in NSW with about 150 incidents recorded each year.
“We encourage all farmers to get to know their local Rural Crime Investigator, and to report any crime, no matter how big or small,” Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said.
“Our RCIs are very dedicated and often operate their own properties, giving them an innate understanding of the industry, and the challenges they face.”
A police operation targeting illegal hunters and trespassers is also currently being run across the state.
In the Albury Local Area Command alone Rural Crime Officers issued 32 criminal infringement notices for a range of offences such as possessing hunting equipment in a state forest, possessing a knife without lawful excuse in a public place, dog not fitted with collar and illegal hunting.
Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said it’s important landowners do not confront trespassers or suspected illegal shooters themselves.
“Our role is to make sure the farming community is protected while ensuring recreational hunters can safely enjoy their sport,” he said.
“Do not take the law into your own hands. I strongly encourage you to record details such as time and date, vehicle registration number, description, location and contact police.
“Illegal hunting will not be tolerated. The community has had enough. Those who hunt illegally and are caught will be subject to a range of penalties and this may involve prosecutions which can include significant fines, criminal convictions and forfeiture of equipment, including motor vehicles.”
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