Wagga will be the focus of the state’s mission to cut down on crimes against farmers when NSW Police leaders visit town on Monday to launch Rural Crime Week 2018.
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NSW Police’s Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys will visit Wagga’s Livestock Sale Yards to share some top crime prevention strategies for the region’s farmers.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys said this week was all about helping farmers from Wagga and beyond to combat an exceedingly worrying trend of rural crime.
“Rural crime is more than just stock and property theft, it comes in many other forms, and our investigators will continue to proactively target crimes including illegal hunting, trespassing, firearm theft and illegal firearms, as well as threats to bio security,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
“By engaging farmers and locals, we can build resilience in the community and work to have a greater understanding, which will allow us to successfully hunt down, arrest, and prosecute those affecting the livelihoods of our farming communities.”
The week will address key issues like steps landholders can take to protect their properties, how to watch out for you neighbours, and how to report suspicious activity.
Also visiting Wagga will be NSW Minister for Police Troy Grant, who said farmers already have it tough enough without having to worry about crime’s big bill
“Between June, 2017 and July, 2018, almost $3 million worth of cattle and sheep were stolen from our farmers,” Mr Grant said.
“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.”
The next stop for Rural Crime Week will be Henty, when the deputy commissioner is set to attend the Henty Field Days on Tuesday.
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