Anyone who has any information that may assist police in relation to livestock theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperssa.com.au.
SA Police (SAPOL) are stepping up ‘Operation Poach’ and increasing the number of Livestock Inspectors in country areas, following a rise in livestock theft across the State.
Last financial year there were 116 reported incidents of stock theft, which are estimated to have cost South Australian farmers $1 million. The most heavily impacted areas have been the Mid North and Murray Mallee.
In partnership with Primary Industries SA (PIRSA), SAPOL have just launched specialised livestock training for frontline officers in regional areas.
While bolstering the ability to prevent and investigate stock theft, the training is likely to lead to more police officers becoming authorised as official Livestock Inspectors.
Farmers are currently being encouraged to register their brands and earmarks via the new ‘SA Brands’ app. Launched last week, the system adds an extra layer of identification for livestock owners, operating in tandem with the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS).
Livestock owners are encouraged to download the ‘SA Brands’ app from the iTunes App Store, or from Google Play.
Anyone who has any information that may assist police in relation to livestock theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperssa.com.au.
Background
Operation Poach was launched in 2011, a time when stock thefts were nearing 200 incidents per year. While the Operation was quickly successful in declining the number of incidents, the rate has risen over the past two financial years.
The State’s beef and sheep production industry generated gross revenue of around $3.3 billion per year.
SA Police currently have 15 Agricultural Liaison Officers (AGLOs) working in regional Local Service Areas with eight authorised as Inspectors under the Livestock Act 1997.
To become an authorised Inspector under the Act, PIRSA require members to be trained in the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and have a sound understanding on associated legislation.
