Figures from Victoria's Crime Statistics Agency show there were 2051 criminal offences reported at agricultural properties statewide between March 2019 and March 2020 - an increase of 12 per cent on the previous year.

There were 102 criminal incidents on agricultural properties in the Wimmera and surrounds, including Ararat and the Northern Grampians.

In the past year, there were thirteen incidents were recorded on properties in Horsham.In 2015, there were only six reported criminal incidents.

There were also 13 incidents in the West Wimmera Shire, compared to five in 2015.

The number of criminal incidents on agricultural properties in the Hindmarsh shire has tripled in the past five years.

There were nine reported incidents - up from just three in 2015.

The figures support Victoria Police's call for farmers to take preventative measures to reduce the impacts of rural crime.

Victoria Police Inspector Karl Curran, of the farm crime coordination unit, said lambing season, which is currently in full swing, was a prime time for livestock thefts.

"We know that at this time, sheep thefts increase. We are asking people in rural communities and farmers to be extra vigilant," he said.

"We want people to report in real-time when incidents occur.

"We understand it can be difficult when you are dealing with large stock numbers, but, things like someone tampering with a fence, and wheel tracks on side roads and in paddocks, those sort of things should be reported as soon as soon."

MAKING NEWS ACROSS THE WIMMERA:

In somewhat enlightening news to the Horsham community, the number of reported incidents actually dropped from the previous year.

In the year ending March 2019, there were 19 criminal incidents on agricultural properties in Horsham.

Incidents that occurred on an agricultural property may not necessarily be farm crimes.

The data covers offences like drug possession, family violence or other misdemeanours that may have occurred on an agricultural property.

Inspector Curran said while crime had dropped during the current COVID-19 outbreak, livestock and equipment thefts were still being committed.

"We are calling out to members of the public and farming community to provide information to their local police station or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"That description of a vehicle, a registration plate number or a suspicious person could be the final piece of a puzzle that we need to solve farm crime."

"What we ask is that people consider the impact that crime has on individual farmers.

"We understand that people may have information, but for various reasons may be not inclined to make a report to police.

"But, if incidents go unreported, if vital information is not passed on, then it's highly likely there will be further victims of these crimes."

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