General News
5 March, 2025
Online tool to help secure regional properties
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria are working together to improve security of Victorian farms and regional properties following a rise in crime in regional areas.
According to the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency, Horsham was among the top five highest local government areas for recorded offences with 12,989.3 offences recorded.
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria has launched 'How safe is my farm', an online quiz to help farmers indentify what they can do to reduce the risk of crime on their properties and is an Australian-first initiative developed with Victoria Police.
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Chief Executive Officer Bambi Gordon said the new data reinforced the need for farmers to show vigilance and to take the right precautions.
"We know that farm crime can be a serious issue for Victorians. It can it can be costly, disruptive and mentally exhausting to one of our hardest-working communities,” Ms Gordon said.
“Crime is opportunistic and we can remove that opportunity, by keeping an eye on each other, reporting crimes and suspicious behaviour when we see it and using preventative security measures.
“Times have changed. But on the upside, we know that theft is often opportunistic, so if we can remove the opportunity, we can prevent crime from occurring.”
To use the online tool and find out more visit howsafeismyplace.com.au/farm
Western Region Division Four Superintendent Sharon McCrory said the rise in farm crimes comes from farmers making more reports.
"Some farmers are reluctant to report, as they can't narrow down a time frame," she said.
"To them it might not seem worth it to report, but to us it is, and we will investigate it."
Supt McCrory said there are no specific trends, but the common types of farm crimes that police have been seeing recently include livestock, break-ins and thefts of machinery and firearms.
"Sheep are the most common type of livestock stolen," she said.
Farm crime liason officers are stationed in Horsham, Warracknabeal, Stawell and Ararat and welcome farmers who are after some help to take the right steps to secure their property.
"If in doubt get in touch with an officer," Supt McCrory said.
"They can give advice on security and what farmers can do,"
Supt McCrory said a piece of advice to farmers is if they see suspicious acitivity, report it.
"We would rather it be a false alarm than them not call at all," she said.
"If we don't know about it, we can't help."
"It also helps us as we gather the intel to identify trends and movements in certain areas."
She enourages farmers to be vigilant, secure their vehicle and not to leave their vehicle running or keys inside.
"Keep their houses and sheds locked or use a padlock," she said.
"If they can, install CCTV cameras that can connect to their phones."
Victoria Police have resources available on their website that offers tips around farm safety which can be found at www.police.vic.gov.au/farm-crime-liaison-officers