Two new rural crime investigators are being deployed to southern NSW in a bid to combat stock theft, trespassing, illegal hunting and firearm theft.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One will be placed in Goulburn with the Hume Police District while the other will be located in Griffith with the Murrumbidgee Police District.
NSW Police Minister David Elliott announced their deployments along with four other new rural crime investigators in different areas of the state at Dubbo saleyards on July 31.
Also read
The two new additions will increase the level of capability that rural crime investigators working as single units currently don't have in southern NSW, NSW Police rural crime prevention corporate sponsor, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie APM said.
The Hume Police District's rural crime unit currently consists of Goulburn-based rural crime officer, Detective Senior Constable Mick Calleja.
"That capacity will be boosted by a second officer, giving those communities far greater levels of coverage," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"Our rural crime investigators are very mobile; they understand the importance of getting out to these far-flung locations, and also being present at sale yards like this one (Dubbo) right across the state where stock eventually end up. A lot are being lawfully sold of course, but certainly on occasions some illegally-obtained stock come through sale yards so we do have a significant focus on that.
"We're always out at the goat depots, at locations where stock are moving through those points, and we certainly are still conducting checks on stock trucks moving throughout NSW."
Assistant Commissioner McKechnie urged the public to engage with their rural crime investigators within their local police districts to establish relationships well before a problem occurs.
"When people realise that there is someone working in their local police district that understands the language, what they're talking about, that is there, dedicated to look after their concerns around crime and safety - the things affecting their communities - we've seen people come on board, and we've urged that as well," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie.
NSW Police hasn't announced when the new investigators would be deployed, but said the other four rural crime investigators would be based in western and northern NSW. The force also has plans to establish a Rural Crime Prevention Team at Casino on the North Coast, comprising a team of sergeant and two investigators, Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"Those positions will roll out over the next 12 months and we'll form that team, working in what is known as the cattle capital of NSW."
We care about what you think. Have your say in the form below and if you love local news don't forget to subscribe.