A STRING of recent large-scale stock thefts across the region is only just scratching the surface of how rampant rural crime really is, as majority of cases continue to go unreported.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wagga police Superintendent Bob Noble said the reported loss of many millions of dollars through stolen livestock was far more damning in reality.
It comes as two men were charged on Friday after stealing $100,000 worth of livestock from a West Wyalong property last month.
A 56-year-old man noticed a significant amount of sheep missing from his property on Cattles Lane, Calleen, about 30km from West Wyalong.
After reporting the incident to police, officers executed a search warrant on a property on Merrengreen Road, Calleen on April 1.
Officers allegedly located 609 merino lambs. More than 300 of those had their National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) ear tags removed.
The livestock have since been returned to the owner.
During the execution of the search warrant, a further 397 head of sheep were impounded by an external agency and ownership is yet to be determined.
An 85-year-old man and a 65-year-old man were arrested and charged with stealing livestock and removing livestock identification device. The men will appear in the West Wyalong Local Court on May 26.
It is just one incident that Superintendent Noble said highlighted the need for rural crime to be reported.
“It’s extremely common,” he said.
“There are many, many millions of dollars a year stolen, pilfered and otherwise misappropriated on farms and around the rural industry.
“As to whether it’s on the rise or not, it’s a little difficult to measure because often it’s not reported.”
It comes as former NSW Police Assistant Commissioner and former Wagga LAC Commander, Steve Bradshaw, was in Wagga to host a meeting with NSW Farmers, as he heads up a state government review on trespassing, poaching and illegal hunting.