Farmers have called for police roles dedicated entirely to combating rural crime as they face increasing stock and wool thefts.
There were 154 reports of livestock theft in the western policing division in the year to March 2018, Crime Statistics Agency data shows, a 36 per cent increase on the previous year.
Leading Senior Constable Dan O’Bree, an agricultural liaison officer based at Heathcote, said the high prices for commodities meant the issue was getting worse.
Now, some central Victorian farmers say police officers do not have the time or resources to properly address the issue and are calling for dedicated roles within the force.
There are more than 70 agricultural liaison officers across the state, but the role is not full-time.
Brothers Adam and Jamey Soulsby have had 50 sheep – worth about $8000 - stolen from their Charlton property in the last six months.
Adam Soulsby said a lot of farmers did not bother reporting thefts because police were not adequately resourced to investigate them.
“That’s why you need a dedicated stock theft team,” Mr Soulsby said.
Victoria Police says it is reviewing the agricultural liaison officer role.
“The review will look at the way the AGLO role is currently performed and governed in order to determine its effectiveness in responding to rural crime,” a spokesperson said, adding it would take into account stakeholder feedback.
The structure of other rural crime teams in Australia was also being considered, the spokesperson said.
Seymour farmer Lance Marke once headed up Victoria Police’s now-disbanded stock squad, which closed in 1995.
“It’s a crime that we don’t have one, because so much rural crime is not being properly investigated, and so few offenders are being apprehended,” Mr Marke said.
He said the use of agricultural liaison officers was ineffective because they were not working on the issue full-time.
To combat rising crime, the Victoria Police spokesperson said police had increased patrols in some high-risk areas and were working closely with farmers, stock agents and other police to build intelligence.
The spokesperson acknowledged rural crime was often under-reported, and outcomes and perceptions about lack of agricultural knowledge were possible contributing factors.
There is also a perception among farmers that rural crime is not always taken as seriously as that that occurs in Melbourne or larger towns.
With shearing season approaching, Leading Senior Constable O’Bree said wool producers might need to consider beefing up security measures. He also urged farmers to report anything suspicious to police.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
