Four men have been charged and two vehicles have been seized during a proactive police operation targeting rural crime offence
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Between November 26 and 29, officers from the Moree, Walgett and Bourke rural crime prevention teams, with the backing of general duties and detectives launched Operation Highground.
The three-day operation targeted illegal hunting, trespass and rural crime offences.
About 6.25pm on Wednesday, November 27, police received reports a white Toyota Landcruiser utility was seen on a property at the Marra, north of Nyngan.
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It is alleged two men were seen rounding up goats with their dogs, before leaving in the vehicle after being confronted by a witness.
About 10am, the same vehicle was allegedly seen on a property at Carinda, during which the two male occupants were again confronted before leaving the property.
Shortly after 12pm, police from Walgett highway patrol and the rural crime prevention team were involved in a pursuit with the vehicle after it failed to stop when directed while driving along Colane Road, approximately 35km north of Nyngan.
The vehicle was driven through several fences before crashing into a creek bed on a rural property, where the two occupants escaped on foot.
The vehicle was seized under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act.
TWO ARRESTED
About 7am on November 28, police located a 40-year-old Warren man walking along Merryanbone Road at Nyngan.
He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated enter enclosed lands; two counts of entering private land to hunt animals; destroying or damaging property; and failing to disclose ithe dentity of driver/passenger.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Walgett Local Court on January 14.
About 11.30am on November 29, rural crime investigators arrested a 38-year-old man at an address in Warren.
He was taken to Warren police station where he was charged with police pursuit; two counts of aggravated enter enclosed lands; two counts of entering private land to hunt animals; destroying or damaging property; and driving whilst disqualified.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Walgett Local Court on January 14.
OPERATION TO CONTINUE
Police said officers also stopped and spoke to numerous lawful hunters, livestock carriers and farmers throughout the operation, speaking with them about rural crime issues, and ensuring compliance with firearms, hunting and bio-security legislation.
Central North Police Superintendent Andrew Hurst said officers will continue to focus on rural crime as part of Operation Highground.
"We encourage the rural community to report any crime, such as trespass or stealing, to allow police to investigate the offence," he said.
"The response to this investigation demonstrates police will take swift action and will seize motor vehicles if they are used in committing a rural crime offence.
NSW Police Rural Crime Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside praised his officers for their commitment to tackling rural crime issues head-on.
"Unless you are a slow learner, now is the time to stop committing rural crimes or you will be caught," he said.
