Shut Out Farm Crime is a partnership between Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police.
New Crime Statistics Agency data shows livestock theft across the state rose 12.6 per cent in the year to December 2021, costing communities more than $2.7 million.
Diesel theft has also risen, with the value of fuel stolen jumping 20 per cent.
Inspector Karl Curran from Victoria Police’s Farm Crime Co-ordination Unit said rises in farm crime were a concern but also reflected recent campaigns to tackle historic under-reporting.
“We are encouraged there appears to be more confidence in reporting farm crime to Victoria Police,” he said.
Insp Curran said the CSA data reinforced the need for rural communities to remain vigilant in preventing farm crime.
“We will work with the community to address their concerns and meet their expectations by fully investigating all crimes that are reported to us,’’ he said.
“The more information and reports we receive the more we are able to identify crime trends and put resources into these areas.
“As I have often said, we cannot investigate what we do not know.”
Western Victoria-based sheep farmer Daniel Buckingham said the rise of fuel theft was particularly concerning to him given the surging cost.
“When someone’s taken 30, or 60, litres out of a 400-litre tank you’re probably not going to take too much notice of it. I think it’s going to be an increasing problem,” he said.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said despite the prevalence of farm crime, victims remained hesitant to contact authorities, allowing criminals to get away with offending.
“Not speaking up allows criminals to get away with offending and it affects farmers economically,” she said.
"If they don’t have money to spend in the local community, that impacts local traders as well.“
To further protect properties, farmers will be offered free farm gate security signs and stickers displaying information about how to report information at select agricultural events across Victoria.
Insp Curran said there were simple ways of safeguarding properties, including tagging livestock, locking gates and sheds, securing tools and equipment and, where possible, locking fuel bowsers and storage tanks.
Placing sensor lights around sheds, using CCTV and installing warning signs also deters thieves.
“They’re simple measures but can go a long way to discouraging farm crime and its devastating effects on local communities,” he said.
Anyone with information about farm crime is urged to make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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