NSW police actively target rural crime in state’s west

Disrupting and preventing rural crime in the state’s west remains of high priority for officers within the Barrier Police District.

The Central Zone Rural Crime Prevention Team conducted a two-day proactive rural crime operation across Broken Hill, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Tibooburra and surrounding areas between Thursday (22 August 2019) and Saturday (24 August 2019).

Operation Ambush targets compliance in the stock transport industry, and offences against the Biosecurity Act, Crimes Act, Firearms legislation and Summary Offences Act. It also encompasses the enforcement of rural roads with the aim of reducing remote road trauma in conjunction with Operation Armour.

Barrier Rural Crime Investigators, along with Chifley and Orange Rural Crime Investigators, Barrier Police District Target Action Group and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command Barrier Police District, conducted the two-day operation.

Across the two days, five police vehicles covered 9265km and conducted the following actions:

  • Rural Property inspections
  • Rural Patrols
  • RBT
  • Licenced Premises Inspections
  • Firearms safe storage inspections
  • National Parks patrols
  • Stock vehicle inspections

Officers issued infringement notices for speeding offences, and an unlicensed rider.

“Police go anywhere to disrupt rural crime and this operation is an example of the distances covered and the engagement with rural communities that is achieved,” Barrier Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Michael Fuller said.

“Police patrols and operations like this are an ongoing focus to prevent and disrupt rural crime in Barrier Police District.”

Anyone with information relating to rural crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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