The New South Wales Police Force has intensified efforts to curb stock theft, a persistent issue affecting rural producers. The Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT), led by NSW Police State Rural Crime Coordinator Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside APM, has emphasised the critical importance of immediate reporting in tackling this crime.
PHOTO: Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside (far right) speaks with a Tocal Agricultural College Trainer and Queensland Police Stock Squad Officer at a RCPT training day CREDIT: MLA
Chief Inspector Whiteside highlights the reluctance of many producers to report theft as a significant barrier, urging, “Report. Report. Report!” Delayed reporting complicates investigations, making it more challenging to gather eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence, while also increasing the risk of the stolen stock being moved far from the crime scene.
Since its establishment in 2018, the RCPT has been building trust in rural areas by engaging closely with communities and demonstrating a deep understanding of agricultural industries. Many team members have backgrounds in farming or related sectors, providing them with essential industry knowledge. This initiative is beginning to pay off, with surveys indicating improved perceptions of police in rural areas following encounters with the RCPT.
Stock theft rates often correlate with market trends; higher cattle and sheep prices typically trigger increased thefts. However, scarcity of feed during drought conditions tends to deter thieves due to the higher maintenance costs. Notably, the past year saw a 28 percent reduction in reported stock thefts, coinciding with a drop in livestock prices.
One innovative solution proposed by Chief Inspector Whiteside is the use of GPS tagging in addition to the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags. A trial at the University of New England demonstrated the effectiveness of GPS technology, with stolen stock recovered within 25 minutes during a mock theft scenario. Besides GPS tags, other recommended deterrents include installing CCTV cameras and placing ‘no trespassing’ signs on property gates and fences.
The RCPT has also enhanced local police capability through specialised training, enabling them to identify and address rural crime effectively. This training includes ‘Operation Stock Check,’ which helps police spot discrepancies in livestock transport through paperwork inspections.
Chief Inspector Whiteside’s Top Five Security Tips:
– Ensure regular NLIS Property Identification Code (PIC) reconciliations.
– Tag all sheep and cattle with NLIS species-specific devices and maintain accurate records.
– Regularly check the condition of fencing and gates.
– Keep gates locked whenever possible.
– Keep a record of hunters with permission to hunt on your property.
Reporting Stock Theft:
– Call ‘000’ in an emergency.
– Visit your local police station.
– Contact the Police Assistance Line at 131 444.
– Call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
For resources and guidance, rural producers are encouraged to consult the NSW Police Stock Theft Report Template.