Workshops to help farmers avoid or tackle rural crime will be held in Tamworth, Inverell and Moree after the NSW Farmers’ Association was awarded more than $165,000.
The NSW government funding will go towards the delivery of security assessment workshops during Rural Crime Week 2018 in October.
Rural crime investigators will facilitate 26 workshops across the state, and dates will be locked in closer to the time.
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NSW Farmers policy adviser Isabella McDougall said rural crime costs millions of dollars every year and had economic, social and personal impacts for country people.
It was revealed during Rural Crime Week 2017 that the New England local area command has had the highest rate of stock theft incidents over the previous three years.
She said participants would come away from workshops with practical solutions to help them protect their property and livestock.
“For the first nine months of 2017, the cost of livestock theft to [NSW] farmers was $2.328 million,” Ms McDougall said.
“Preventing rural crime is essential to build a prosperous agricultural sector and vibrant regional communities.
“This grant provides a unique opportunity to strengthen community engagement, increase reporting of criminal activity and trespass, and ultimately reduce crime.”
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
