Plea for action on rural crime rise

TASMANIA’S peak farming body is calling for stricter government measures to combat the rising incidence of on-farm theft. 

Tasmanian farmers are facing an increase in theft, particularly with copper being stripped from centre-pivot irrigation systems across the state at an increasing rate. 

President of TasFarmers Ian Sauer said the peak body had previously raised concerns about copper thefts from irrigation equipment in the Northern Midlands and said thieves were becoming more brazen. 

However, the thefts are not limited to copper cabling. In the Derwent Valley, Tas Farmers reported 12 tonnes of barley being stolen over three consecutive nights. 

Incidents of emptied fuel trailers and generator sets have also been reported and Mr Sauer said this was adding to the challenges farmers were facing. 

“After recent storms caused pivots to fall over, thieves have been trespassing to steal cabling, the replacement value of which can be between $15,000 and $20,000, even though the scrap value of the copper cable is relatively low,” Mr Sauer said. 

“A centre pivot can be worth over $150,000, and when it collapses it must be replaced. 

“While some old parts can be reused, losing $20,000 worth of copper cabling from theft is like kicking someone when they’re already down.” 

Mr Sauer said at this time of year, farmers were already flat out trying to get crops in and water their paddocks, and the issue of increasing crime was significantly impacting their operations. 

“We need the government to consider harsher penalties for trespassing and criminal damage. 

“There is a real pattern emerging and maybe we need police doing more random patrols on our rural roads,” Mr Sauer said. 

"Rates of theft and armed trespass are on the rise, and farmers are feeling increasingly vulnerable.” 

He encouraged farmers to consider the adoption of surveillance cameras to strengthen their security measures. 

“It’s only a matter of time before high-quality CCTV images lead to arrests,” Mr Sauer said. 

Farmers are also being encouraged to report any suspicious activity to police, no matter how small it may seem at the time.

Anyone who is a victim of rural crime is encouraged to contact Tasmania Police in the first instance by calling 131 444. 

Anyone with knowledge of crime can also make a report through Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

These reports can be made anonymously.