VICTORIAN farmers have reported more livestock and farm machinery theft this year.
Victoria Police is hosting its second Livestock and Farm Crime Specialist Group state conference today in Bendigo.- HAVE YOUR SAY
- Do you have increased confidence in police to deal with farm crime?
- Tell us what you think in the form below.
The two-day conference brings police, government and agricultural industry representatives together to discuss farm related crime.
According to Victoria Police data in 2011/2012, 344 livestock theft offences were recorded compared to 250 offences the year before.
The stats show the Western Region had 181 livestock offences last financial year, while the Eastern region recorded 117 offences.
In the North West Metro Region there were 29 livestock offences and 52 offences in the Southern Metro Region.
Throughout the state, 6292 sheep, 356 cattle, 92 pigs, 53 poultry, 35 goats, 26 horses and one Llama were stolen last financial year.
Head of Practice for the Livestock and Farm Crime Special Group Superintendent Craig Gillard said there had also been an increase in the reporting of farm machinery theft and equipment like tractors and chemicals.
In a statement this morning the force said it believed the increase in crime reports was due to farmers having increased confidence in police.
