NSW police reveal rural crime prevention teams with new police for Moree

In a major shake-up to how police tackle bush crime, a new detective sergeant will coordinate the police response to rural crime from Moree, as well as proactive operations.

The supervisor will be one of three in the state overseen by a coordinator based at Orana in Dubbo.

Already, two rural crime investigators are based in Oxley, two in New England and now Moree will boast the same.

On Tuesday, new investigators were also been announced for Walgett, Parkes, Deniliquin and Cootamundra.

Police commissioner Mick Fuller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie and police minister Troy Grant unveiled the new bush crime fighting squad in Dubbo, which will now see the rural crime team rise to 42 officers.

Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said Moree was chosen as a base because its central to the western part of the state and has seen its fair share of rural crime.

“Rural crime continues to be a significant issue for police, stock theft ebbs and flows, firearms are being stolen, there are constant instances of rural property theft, trespassing, illegal hunting, it’s occurring like other volume crime,” he said.

“Rural communities need to receive the same level of response as their urban counterparts and this is about putting the right people in the right places to ensure the appropriate expertise is available.”

The extra positions will now be advertised with Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside already enlisted to lead the rural crime contingent from Dubbo.

“The impact rural crime has on producers is magnified because of the isolation, the value of stock, the value of fuel and the economic and personal impact on people can be far greater in rural areas,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.