Get on the blower to police

"Farmers should not hesitate to report crime and should regularly review their security measures" Federation Farmers rural security spokesman Rick Powdrell

Rural dwellers are plagued by thieves, rustlers and poachers, but not enough farmers are reporting their losses, Federation Farmers warns.

Rural security spokesman Rick Powdrell said a survey of 1000 farmers conducted last year found more than 60 per cent had not reported stock theft to police.

Twenty six per cent had suffered stock thefts in the past five years and 38 per cent had not reported stolen property.

‘‘We’ve been running rural security workshops around the country, in conjunction with FMG and the police, and they are enormously popular,’’ Powdrell said.

‘‘Farmers should not hesitate to report crime and should regularly review their security measures,’’ Powdrell said.

Manawatu Neighbourhood Support district co-ordinator Gary Stoneley said there had been several rural burglaries in the province in the past week.

These happened around Halcombe, Rongotea, Kairanga, Bunnythorpe and Colyton at night and during the day when residents were away.

‘‘They effectively target farm bikes and quad bikes, chainsaws.’’

Feilding police acting Senior Sergeant Jeff Veale said the types of crime changed, depending on who the active offenders were.

‘‘At the moment, a few more rural burglaries are occurring than urban ones in the Feilding area.

‘‘It’s the same story. Lock stuff up. Report suspicious behaviour. Look after your neighbours.’’

Veale said one example was a farmer recently noticed a suspicious car in the area and noted its details.

‘‘Look at the registration numbers and call your local station and let your neighbours know,’’ Veale advised.