The third annual NSW Rural Crime Week officially commenced on Monday in an effort to stamp out crime in farming communities and educate farmers on how they can better protect their properties.
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Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries said farmers in the region can be assured the Government is working closely with the NSW Police Force to crackdown on rural crime.
“Stock theft, illegal hunting, firearm theft and trespassing are all major issues for rural and farming communities that are already experiencing tough times thanks to the drought,” Mr Humphries said.
“Unfortunately, rural crime is significantly under-reported as farmers often find it challenging to show proof of trespass and evidence of crime.
“This year, the NSW Farmers Association in conjunction with the NSW Police Force Rural Crime Investigation Teams are holding 26 rural crime workshops throughout the state to provide farmers with proactive strategies to protect their business and improve their safety.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said rural crime costs millions of dollars every year and can have devastating economic, social and personal impacts on our state’s farmers.
“In fact between June 2017 and July 2018, almost $3 million dollars’ worth of cattle and sheep was stolen from our farmers,” said Mr Grant.
“Our farmers are the lifeblood and backbone of this country. They are already doing it extremely tough with the drought and the theft of livestock and equipment further contributes to the hardship they are currently facing.
“These criminal acts threaten the livelihood of our farmers and rural communities, and that’s something we simply won’t tolerate.”
For more information or to register for a Rural Crime Week workshop, visit: https://www.nswfarmers.org.au/NSWFA/NewsEvents/Events/NSWFA/Content/NewsEvents/Events.aspx?hkey=d65f9211-e2d9-4774-9df6-8be2b6436445
The NSW Government provided more than $165,000 towards the Rural Crime Workshops through the Community Safety Fund.
Rural Crime Week runs from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 September 2018.