30 SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 459 | FREE
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SHEEP THEFT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM
Livestock theft throughout the Nagambie and Avenel region continues to occur. It’s an ongoing battle and with livestock values where they are, it is not a surprise. Statistics show that September and October are traditionally when the majority of sheep theft occurs. On 19th September 2020, 15 dorper lambs were stolen from a property on the Goulburn Weir during the night. Nothing was seen, however Tyre tracks were located at the scene. Anyone with any information please contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or Contact Sergeant Bob DERRET at Nagambie Police Station (03) 5794 2526. Police would like to encourage the Mitchell and Strathbogie Farming Communities to report thefts from farms and rural properties as soon as possible. The theft of farming equipment and livestock often has an economical and emotional flow on effect in the community. Many of these businesses are already enduring hard times, and have a tough road ahead.
Crime Prevention tips for Livestock: Farmers are to Ensure all stock are identified
at an early age (NLIS, eartags, microchips) Consider photography and videoing your livestock regularly to assist with identification Keep receipts/ records of any purchase as proof of ownership Keep track of any agisted stock and their markings Check stock numbers regularly, especially those out of view from the homestead Ensure your fencing is secure and external gates have locks Secure loading ramps and stockyards at remote locations, to prevent unauthorised use Build permanent and portable stockyards in view of homesteads (where possible) Install overt CCTV or trail cameras along with appropriate warning signage- (a great deterrent for the opportunistic thief!) Install sensor lights on sheds, yards and around shearing sheds Get to know your neighbours, and look out for each other.
For more information on crime prevention tips for farm and rural safety please visit: www.police.vic.gov.au/farm-and-ruralsafety
If you see something, say something!! Report suspicious vehicles in the area: ie. Unknown vehicles parked or driving around the area, trailers loaded with sheep being transported in the early hours of the morning etc. Report suspicious activity: ie. torch light in the area, dog barking uncharacteristically, sound of vehicles on the property, unknown person(s) walking in areas usually only used by local, tyre marks/footprints in paddocks
not usually accessed etc.
Who do I contact? Anyone with any information in relation to livestock or farm theft ( even if the information is several months old) please contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 (where you can report anonymously, if you so wish) or make a Crime Stoppers report online: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Your information could help with ongoing investigations, and help solve crime.
You should still call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the incident is life-threatening, needs immediate police attendance, a crime is happening now, or an offender is (or may be) still in the area.