Riverina Police join with National Parks and Wildlife to crack down on rural crime

Last weekend rural policing patrols were conducted in Khancoban as the first port of call, seeing Riverina Police District officers and National Parks and Wildlife Rangers present a united front.

Police spoke with local landholders and gave the community a chance to voice their concerns, leading to a successful weekend of crime prevention.

One charge was laid for firearms offences, two infringements were given for offensive behaviour, eight safe storage inspections were undertaken, and two cars and one person were searched.

Police also inspected critical infrastructure, local licensed premises, travelling stock and rural properties.

Southern Zone Rural Crime prevention Team Coordinator Detective Sergeant Damian Nott said the increased rural patrols were set to continue across the region and wider state.

"Members of rural and remote NSW can expect to see more of their specialist Rural Crime Investigators and their local police in a rural setting and this type of collaborative effort which really is aimed at providing a higher standard of service to those who rarely see police," he said.

"We are certain this type of policing activity will have a big impact on preventing and disrupting rural crime."

Both the Riverina and Murrumbidgee regions have frequently fallen victim to stock theft, particularly of sheep.

Just last month, a possible crime of opportunity saw a producer near West Wyalong 10 lambs lighter as he prepared a mob for sale. Ewes and second cross lambs were yarded on October 13 in preparation for sale, but on arriving at yards the next day, the producer found the mob of lambs was 10 head short.

There was evidence of theft at the scene with alterations to yards and tracks from an unknown vehicle, most likely with a trailer attached.

The balance of the lambs were sold for $220 a head leaving the producer with a loss of $2200.

Detective Sergeant Nott said incidents like this are a reminder of the importance of members of rural and remote NSW to keep an eye out for each other and report any suspicious vehicles or activity to police immediately.

"You might just protect yourself or someone else from becoming victim of theft, or even better, assist police in locking up crooks that target the rural industry," he said.

Anyone with information about crime or suspicious activity in rural areas is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.