New England police conducted a high visibility operation over the weekend to try and deter illegal hunters and drive down rural-related crime offences.
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During the operation police performed over 50 random breath tests. They also stopped over 20 vehicles involved in hunting.
Officer-in-charge of Inverell Police Station Chief Inspector Rowan O’Brien said dog offence infringements were issued to six people and a further five warnings and five traffic infringements were issued.
"The operation was focused on the areas surrounding Bingara popular for pig hunters and the like,” he said.
“It involved police from all the outlying sectors actively patrolling, interacting with local landowners, and stopping and speaking to hunters to check their credentials etc.”
A 47-year-old male was detected for low-range PCA and will appear at Warialda Local Court later this month.
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"I applaud the initiative shown by the sector staff in running this type of operation. Illegal hunting and the follow-on rural crime such as cut fences, stolen diesel etc is just another hit for farmers already dealing with the current dry,” Chief Inspector O'Brien said.
“I encourage landowners to ring police if they see spot lights or vehicles on their properties when they haven't given anyone permission to be there.”
