‘Far too many’ farm thefts

Dec 26, 2024

The Victoria Police Farm Crime Coordination Unit is concerned about the high number of thefts from farms.

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“This year, we’ve witnessed far too many incidents resulting in the loss of animals, vehicles and equipment,” the unit’s Inspector Paul Hargreaves said.

“Of particular concern is firearm theft, which poses a serious threat to public safety when these weapons fall into the wrong hands.”

The Victoria Police Farm Crime Coordination Unit is dedicated to addressing crimes that affect rural communities, including livestock theft, fuel and machinery theft, tool theft, and illegal hunting or shooting.

“Our primary focus is on crime prevention and enhancing safety and security on farms,” Insp Hargreaves said.

To help protect your farm, he recommends:

Locking gates, sheds and machinery and securing tools.
Counting and checking stock regularly.
Installing security signage, simple CCTV and other tech that identifies illegal entry to your property.
Working with neighbours to identify and report suspicious activity around farms.

If you are a firearm owner, please consider:

The compliance of your safe storage with the Firearms Act.
The location of your safe, with the preferred option at an occupied residence.
The security and safe keeping of your safe keys.
The location of tools, including cordless equipment, that could assist an offender gaining entry.
Your need to maintain ownership of firearms. If you want to surrender a firearm there is a current amnesty in Victoria. For more information, go to: https://crimestoppers.com.au/firearmamnesty/vic/