Goulburn Police have pledged to continue targeting the problem of rural crime and stock thefts despite a week long operation resulting in the arrest of a local man.
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The case of a 40-year-old Goulburn man charged with a number of rural break and enters following the successful K-Time operation, which ended on Monday, was adjourned by Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday until September 26.
Senior Constable Daryl Riches, from the Goulburn-based Stock Squad, said more operations are planned over the coming weeks in a bid to throw a spanner in the multi-million dollar industry.
While the number of livestock thefts in the area is relatively small, police are concerned at the amount of farming equipment, which is going missing, especially from remote areas like Bungonia and Marulan.
A particular favourite for the thieves at present is chainsaws, although motor bikes, whipper snippers, generators and air compressors have all been stolen - sometimes to order - in recent weeks.
Senior constable Riches said the majority of thefts were occurring on hobby farms in the area and said the laid back attitude of many country folk made them easy pickings for the thieves.
He said many of the farms would have been specifically targeted in advance and the thefts would probably involve organised gangs due to the difficulties in lifting heavy goods onto a ute or truck.
He said: “It is big business and it is costing the industry millions of dollars annually.
“We would advise people to engrave their property, noting any distinguishing features and serial numbers.
“Photographs are also helpful when it comes to trying to locate stolen property.
“I would say that most of the stolen goods are destined to end up out of town but we do have a number of operations in place to target the thieves over the coming weeks.
“Part of the problem is the laid back attitude of many country people and they do need to understand that unfortunately they are not living in the 1950’s anymore.”
He said stock thefts, which numbered eight in the last four months, could also be prevented by farmers padlocking their loading ramps and entry gates.
Farmers were also reminded over the need to carry stock statements with them whenever they transported animals as failure to do so could result in a $100 penalty.
Random rural patrols continued to take place in the area with 36 stock trucks stopped last month and their drivers questioned.
Anyone seeing persons acting suspiciously in rural areas is urged to call the Stock Squad on 4823 2010.
