Rural crime blitz launched at Agquip

POLICE and Crime Stoppers launched a state-wide Rural Crime campaign at this week’s Agquip field days in Gunnedah in a bid to address the ongoing issue of crimes effecting regional NSW.

It’d be a devastating time at the field days with most of NSW and much of the eastern states in the grip of what’s being called the worst drought ever, even without the spectre of rural crime hovering over your shoulder.

A mate of mine who farms around Dubbo had a fuel trailer stolen this week and the $1500 of diesel that was in it.

He’s now looking at going to the expense of installing an electric gate at the entrance to his farm as well as setting up expensive surveillance technology which will alert him to anyone and everyone coming on to his place.

Anyway, this new police campaign will target illegal hunting, stock theft, trespassing and firearm theft and will be held over a six-week period.

Last year saw more than 20,000 head of stock stolen from the state’s farms, that was a $3.2 million haul of sheep and cattle for the thieves.

Commander for Rural Crime, Assistant Commissioner Geoff Mckechnie, said rural crime is continuing to have a devastating impacting across the State.

“To make a real difference, we need a whole of community approach. There are some preventative measures that can be undertaken such as installing cameras, ensuring gates are locked and, in the case of firearm theft, ensuring guns are locked and ammunition kept separate to any firearms,” Mr Mckechnie said.