Mudgee is set to welcome a new Rural Crime Investigator as part of the largest increase in police numbers in more than 30 years.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the new position creates a unit of two specialist investigators in Mudgee, in addition to the existing two specialist investigators already based in Dubbo.
“Our farmers have been through enough in recent years without having low-life criminals trespassing and stealing or destroying the fruits of their labour,” Mr Saunders said.
“Rural crime doesn’t only hurt our farmers, it impacts entire regional communities, and the confidence in the sector that puts the clothes on our backs and the food in our bellies.
“I’m very pleased to see Orana Mid-Western Police District’s specialist Rural Crime Investigation team bolstered, and I’m encouraging all our primary producers to help us crack down on these criminal behaviours.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the positions deliver on the NSW Government’s $583 million commitment to community safety through the roll-out of 1,500 extra police positions over four years.
“Rural crime specialist investigators focus on a range of crime, whether it’s theft of stock, grain or wool, rural arson and fraud, firearm offences, cruelty to animals or trespassing,” Mr Toole said.
“These crimes affect farmers, their families and entire livelihoods, so it’s critical we have the support and resources needed to ensure regional communities continue to thrive.
“These investigators have lived and worked on the land, and continue to play a critical role in building positive relationships between police and the farming community, as well as supporting victims of crime.”