Farmers warned to be vigilant as rural thefts rise

As rural thefts continue to rise, local police have sent a clear message to property owners to lock up.

Agricultural businesses and the Warragul saleyards were targeted on Friday when local farm crime liaison officers leading senior constable Lisa Lambert and youth specialist officer leading senior constable Paula Fowler spread the message for farmers to lock up.

Baw Baw police services area acting inspector Glenn Parke also addressed farmers at Friday’s Warragul dairy sale, providing them with key rural crime prevention tips.

Victoria Police has established a farm crime co-ordination unit to focus policing efforts on rural crimes across the state.

Police farm crime liaison officers are assisting farmers to develop crime prevention strategies.

Leading sen const Fowler said rural property thefts were increasing but more often than not, the property owners could take more action to prevent theft and other crimes.

She said farms were an ideal target for theft because of their isolation from neighbouring properties.

Thefts of cars, machinery, tools and livestock are targeted.

Police said the key message to property owners was to shut and lock gates where possible, remove keys from machinery, store large farm equipment in secure shed and install security lights.

What farmers can do to reduce their risk:
Never leave keys to vehicles or machinery in the ignition or close by. 
Improve farm and household security.
Clearly mark all equipment and machinery. 
Report suspicious activity.
Wherever possible, construct storage facilities within sight of the main residence.
Install sensor lights around buildings where possible. 
Inform trusted neighbours when you are away from your property for any length of time.
Instal CCTV or display crime prevention signage. 
Ensure all firearms are securely stored in approved receptacles with ammunition, bolts and magazines kept separately. 
Secure tools to prevent thieves being able to use them to force open other storage areas. 
Make a detailed inventory of your machinery and equipment – include make, serial numbers and identifying features with photographs. 
Ensure all stock are identified at an early age (NLIS, ear tags, microchips). 
Secure loading ramps and stockyards at remote locations, to prevent unauthorised use.

All rural property owners are urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers (1800 333000) if they see or hear unusual movements of stock or equipment.  It is recommended residents record the time, date, location, description of suspicious vehicles and people and notify police as soon as possible.