As one area of crime that often goes unreported, Murrumbidgee Police District now have rural criminal activity in their sights.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Inspector Nick Seddon welcomed the start of the third annual Rural Crime Week, and said working together with communities is essential to stop the activity affecting rural communities.
Watch Inspector Seddon’s message in the video below:
“It's our third annual rural crime week where we highlight the effect that rural crime has on our community, and really bring it to the forefront of people’s attention,” he said.
“It is not only just stock theft and property theft, it relates to illegal hunting, malicious damage, bio security issues. Without reporting, we can’t take any action or put steps in place to combat the crime.”
“This applies to not only Griffith, but other communities like Leeton, Narrandera and Coleambally, we really want people to talk to their police and rural crime investigators, to get people to work out a way to stop rural crime affecting the community as a whole.”
Regional NSW Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys was joined by Minister for Police Troy Grant in Wagga on Monday to launch the start of Rural Crime Week and highlight crime prevention strategies for farmers and community members to help combat criminal activity.
Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said under-reporting of rural crime has been an ongoing issue, but rural crime prevention has taken a new direction.
“With the establishment of Rural Crime Prevention Teams, police are now working more closely with farmers and rural communities in a coordinated approach that will create a shared understanding of the issues we face,” he said.
“We are in this together and everyone has to have the confidence to report and call out criminal behaviour in their local areas.
You can also report knowledge of rural crime by calling Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team will be attending 26 workshops, with all farmers and primary producers invited to come along for a meal and chat with Rural Crime Investigators on how to prevent crime on rural properties.
- Narrandera: Ex-Servicemen’s Club, September 19.
- Hay: Bowling & Golf Club, September 25
- Hillston: Ex-Servicemen's & Citizens Club,September 26.
Workshops start 6pm and finish at 8pm, dinner is included.
***
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here.