A police operation designed to protect the livelihood of farmers has been discussed during a trip to Dubbo by NSW Police Minister David Elliott.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders joined Mr Elliott and NSW Police Force State Rural Crime Coordinator, Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside, at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Market to receive an update on Operation Stock Check.
The high-visibility operation is designed to disrupt the movement of stolen stock in regional NSW.
“Farmers face many challenges every day, and making sure they don’t become victims of crime is one way we can help to protect them,” Mr Saunders said.
“We’ve been in drought for several years and times have been tough. The last thing stock farmers need is for the animals they have remaining to be stolen, which is why operations such as this are so vital.”
In the first six months of this year, more than 8,600 sheep and 730 cattle were reported to be stolen to NSW Police – an estimated financial loss to primary producers of $2.5 million.
“Operation Stock Check is designed to help the farmers and transport workers who are trying to make a living by doing the right thing,” Mr Elliott said.
“Farmers have been doing it tough with drought, bushfires and even floods and they should not have their livelihood stolen from under them.”
“Police want to help rural communities and undermine these criminal networks, so anyone with information about livestock theft should report to their local police or Crime Stoppers.”