Rural and regional crime is the focus of a new campaign by Crime Stoppers and the NSW Police Force. It was launched at AgQuip on Tuesday morning.
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As part of the campaign, four major areas of concern are being targeted - illegal hunting, stock theft, trespassing and firearm theft.
The campaign will provide information on how regional communities can deter or prevent crime in their area, as well as encouraging them to report crimes - see something, suspect something, say something.
Residents are being urged to report any illegal activity to Crime Stoppers, with all information treated in the strictest of confidence.
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The campaign is being rolled out in numerous regional towns across the state, starting in Gunnedah for AgQuip and moving onto Mudgee, Bourke, Goulburn, Griffith and Henty within the next six weeks.
Detective inspector and state rural crime coordinator Cameron Whiteside urged locals to report rural crime in order for arrests to be made.
"We want to put these people before the court so they have the ability to be sentenced for their crime," detective inspector Whiteside said.
"At the moment there's far too many people getting away with it and we need every little piece of information to help us solve it."
Detective inspector Whiteside said farmers should "secure their firearms, think of installing CCTV, know your neighbours, talk to your neighbours, and report anything suspicious at the time."
Crime Stoppers chief executive officer Peter Price AM stressed that all calls to Crime Stoppers were completely anonymous.
"We are not interested in who you are, we're only interested in what you know or what you might suspect," Mr Price said.
"Once we get that information it goes to our analysts and from there it goes to police to investigate.
"No crime is committed in isolation, everybody knows something. If you hear something around the pub or the local community or if you even think you heard something then call us, or click and provide it online."
This is the first time that Crime Stoppers and NSW Police have collaborated on a dedicated campaign to address rural crime.
If you think you have information about someone in your community who has committed a crime, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 for a confidential conversation, or report securely online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
Jessica Worboys
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
