SHEPPARTON police are warning livestock owners to be vigilant when it comes to protecting livestock this lambing season.
The Farm Crime Coordination Unit and Farm Crime Liaison Officers at Victoria Police have reminded those on farms to put measures in place to prevent thieves from stealing animals.
Police are encouraging farm owners to:
- Conduct regular inspections and counts of livestock
- Ensure all livestock are appropriately tagged
- Keep an eye out for strange vehicles or people in your area
- Check fences and gates for condition, especially along side roads – look for evidence of tampering or disrepair
- Install sensor lighting on sheds, at yards and around shearing sheds
- Install overt CCTV or trail cameras along with appropriate warning signage
- Ensure regular attendance at uninhabited properties
“Report all livestock theft, even if it happened several months ago. It will help us determine patterns of offending,” Crime Prevention Officer at the Shepparton Police Station, Glenn Gibson, said.
It is important to report any suspicious activity to Police: ‘000’ in an emergency, or Police Assistance Line 131 444 if it’s non urgent.
The information you have might be the last piece of the puzzle that could then solve the crime.
- While some areas of the country have reported falling crime rates correlating with COVID-19 lockdowns, Victorian crime statistics for April to June will be released in late September, according to the chief statistician at the Crime Statistics Agency in Victoria, Fiona Dowsley.
LSC Glenn Gibson said rural and farm crime has remained sporadic and opportunistic across the Greater Shepparton region.
