Farm crime on rise

“The increase in crime is likely a result of the work we’ve been doing to encourage people to report it. It’s difficult to measure the effect the farm crime unit has had on driving down crime. But in the Wimmera, we were really active in this space, even before the unit was formed ” – Senior Sergeant Simon Grant

Asenior Wimmera police officer is urging farmers to remain vigilant and protect their assets as crime on agricultural properties increases across Victoria.

Stawell Senior Sergeant Simon Grant was appointed as a liaison officer to a dedicated farm crime prevention unit more than a year ago.

The unit investigates crimes where offenders target farms to steal livestock, equipment, machinery, fuel, hay, wool and firearms.

Victoria’s Crime Statistics Agency shows criminal offences reported at agricultural properties increased by 12 percent between March 2019 and March 2020, despite efforts from the unit.

There were more than 37 offences of livestock theft across Horsham, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Ararat and Northern Grampians municipalities between July 2019 and June 2020.

In September last year, Victoria Police added a team of 70 Farm Crime Liaison Officers, FLCOS, to the specialist unit that is headed by farm crime co-ordinator Inspector Karl Curran.

Snr Sgt Grant was appointed an FLCO for Western Region division four as part of the unit, which covers farms from Ararat to the South Australian border.

He said increased rates of crime in the past year were likely a product of more reporting following a stronger focus on encouraging farmers to speak out.

“The increase in crime is likely a result of the work we’ve been doing to encourage people to report it,” he said.

“It’s difficult to measure the effect the farm crime unit has had on driving down crime. But in the Wimmera, we were really active in this space, even before the unit was formed.

“We will continue to promote reporting and awareness and inform rural communities of the issues affecting them.

“The message is, if you see something suspicious, or you think you have been a victim of crime, report it to the police.

“If we don’t know about the crime, we can’t act on it.”

Snr Sgt Grant said since his appointment last year, he had investigated a diverse range of crime on farms, from theft to destruction of property.

“In recent times there was a whole canola crop wiped out after some water was contaminated with a chemical,” he said.

“That was a significant impact to the farmer, who lost an entire crop.

“There was an incident north of Nhill where a significant number of sheep were stolen.

“There was also grain stolen from a silo at Lake Bolac, and in recent times we’ve seen chemical being stolen from suppliers.”

Snr Sgt Grant said while criminals generally targeted livestock, small ‘easy-to-access’ items were also a common target.

“We’re seeing a couple of trends. There’s livestock getting stolen. In the Wimmera, it’s generally sheep stolen,” he said.

“But it’s also those other more easily sold on items, such as motorbikes, chainsaws, tools, small equipment and diesel – all items that can be accessed really quickly and sold on quickly.”

Snr Sgt Grant said while reporting was important, preventative measures could ensure farmers could protect themselves.

“I recommend farmers put padlocks on external gates, install some CCTV cameras over critical assets such as sheds and fuel bowsers,” he said.

“It’s helpful to have a network and be in touch with your neighbours – people will know if there’s a vehicle in the area that’s not supposed to be there.

“If you see something suspicious, please do report it.”

Snr Sgt Grant said people could report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or contact their nearest police station.