Authorities set sights on rural crime

CRIME STOPPERS and NSW Police have joined forces for a blitz against rural crime.

This is the first time the two parties have collaborated to address rural crime with the four major areas of concern including illegal hunting, stock theft, trespassing and firearm theft.

NSW Police data reveals that more than 20,000 head of stock was stolen in 2018, with the loss of sheep and cattle alone costing farmers over $3.2 million.

Over the next six weeks, the campaign will provide regional communities with information about how they can deter and prevent crime in their area.

Additionally, residents are being urged to report criminal activity if they see it, or if they suspect illegal activity, and trust that information will be treated strict confidence.

“Our farmers are under siege. Already adversely affected by the drought, rural crime is having a significant and direct effect on the economic welfare of farmers and their families and we need to do something about it,” NSW Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price said.

“We don’t want to know who you are, we just want to know what you know. Anything you have seen or heard could help police bring those responsible to justice.”

Assistant Commissioner Geoff Mckechnie also encouraged regional residents to implement preventative measures such as installing cameras, ensuring gates are locked and keeping guns and ammunition separate.

“It is also important to report crime as soon as it occurs, whether you are the victim or you have witnessed a crime,” Mr Mckechnie said.

“A call to Crime Stoppers or the Police at the earliest opportunity increases the chances of recovering stolen livestock or firearms and catching the people committing these terrible crimes.”