Tasmania Police and partner agencies are coming together to remind rural property owners of the importance of timely reporting of crime and theft prevention strategies.
“While the level of rural crime remains relatively low in Tasmania, it’s timely to remind property owners of the importance of prompt reporting of crime, and undertaking theft prevention strategies,” said Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Operations, Jason Elmer.
“Tasmania Police are committed to preventing and tackling rural crime, and country officers undertake several proactive strategies including liaising with farmers.
“There are simple but important steps property owners can take to assist police, including reporting crime at the time it occurs, and taking steps to protect property and prevent theft.
“Victims are encouraged to report rural crime to police as soon as possible, to enable prompt investigations, and enhanced intelligence gathering.”
Rural property owners are urged to:
- Ensure firearms and ammunition are registered and stored in accordance with firearms storage requirements.
- Store machinery, tools and other farm equipment in a secure, locked shed.
- Regularly check the condition of boundary fences and gates and repair damage promptly.
- Identify all livestock upon receipt or soon after birth using permanent registered forms of identification.
- Padlock stockyard gates and loading ramps to prevent unauthorised use.
- Ensure all cattle are identified with a National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) electronic device before leaving any property.
In a joint effort, Tasmania Police liaise with Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association and representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer, encouraged farmers to report crimes in a timely matter.
“Our farmers are the lifeblood of Tasmania, and we want to ensure we are doing everything possible to prevent crimes in our rural communities,” Minister Palmer said.
“Reporting crimes provides invaluable information to our police, however, prevention is always the best mitigation.
“Lock up your shed and take your keys out of the ute.”
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said that keeping Tasmanians safe is a key priority of the Tasmanian Liberal Government.
“Since coming to Government in 2014, we have invested heavily in our police service because we recognise the impact criminal activity has on our communities,” he said.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is ensuring there is a consistent police presence in our rural areas, by investing $13.25 million for the Country Police Station Relief Policy to ensure police are available in our remote and rural communities.
“While data indicates the rate of livestock theft in agricultural areas is low, any crime is unacceptable, and offenders should expect the full weight of the law in response.
“Tasmania Police has always had strong partnerships with the farming sector, which assists in targeting rural crime.
“Country police officers and emergency services personnel are highly valued members of our local communities, and I thank Tasmania Police, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Crime Stoppers Tasmania and the community for their ongoing collaboration to identify, deter and respond to crime.”
Anyone who is the victim of rural crime is encouraged to contact police in the first instance on 131 444.
Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through our online portal at crimestopperstas.com.au.
