Greater Springfield is home to many hobby farms and Crime Stoppers Queensland has launched a comprehensive campaign to bolster farm-related crime reporting.
The initiative seeks to highlight the significance of reporting such crimes and emphasises the role of community involvement in combating rural crime.
Logan West is home to many hobby farms. Source: Pexel/Matthias Zomer
The campaign, backed by AgForce Queensland and the Queensland Police Service, will utilise a multifaceted approach including local community engagement activities, media coverage, and marketing efforts.
Central to this initiative is the establishment of a Rural Crime Advisory Group (RCAG), which will facilitate communication regarding the impact of crime on rural communities and connect victims with support services.
Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO David Hansen stressed the long-term commitment required for tackling rural crime effectively.
“This campaign marks the beginning of sustained engagement with rural communities,” he said.
Farm crime encompasses a range of offences including livestock theft, theft of tools and machinery, illegal hunting and fishing, theft of homes, illegal dumping, and fuel theft.
Detective Inspector David Briese from the Queensland Police Service Rural and Stock Crime Squad emphasised the critical role of timely reporting in preventing and solving rural crimes.
“Reporting criminal activity is vital to solving and preventing crimes affecting rural communities,” he said.
“Your information could be what helps identify the people involved in rural crime activity and prevent further offences from occurring.”
Residents are urged not to rely on others to report crimes.
“If you see something, say something,” he said.
“Failure to report crimes not only allows perpetrators to evade justice but also perpetuates a cycle of underreporting, hindering law enforcement efforts to address rural crime effectively.”
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the economic impact of rural crime, which costs the Australian economy millions of dollars annually.
Despite its prevalence, rural crime is often underreported, with many farmers experiencing repeat victimisation.
Mr. Hansen highlighted the need for improved communication within rural communities to address this issue effectively.
“Farmers are hardworking, but they’re also very relaxed, which is lovely, but when it comes to crime you need to ensure you are being proactive,” he said.
“We want to encourage reporting of crime and suspicious activity, no matter how big or small it may seem.”
