BURRAGA is fed up with stock theft and petty vandalism and will call on local police to take action at an upcoming public meeting.
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Property owners and community members are expected to vent their concerns, with stock theft the biggest problem according to Burraga Ag Bureau treasurer Charles Lamburn.
“We know a farmer who has lost sheep on at least half a dozen occasions,” he said.
“Half a dozen sheep doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you take into account the lambs they’ll produce, their fleece and their eventual meat – they’re worth around $700.”
The biggest problem with rural crime, according to Mr Lamburn, is the lack of police action, and he said farmers are “fed up with reporting events”.
“The problem is that most people are cynical about the whole operation because nothing seems to change,” he said.
Burraga Ag Bureau member Anne Russell confirmed she too was “disappointed” with the response from local police.
“The public has been a little disappointed with police response in the past with stock losses, and have started to not report ... they feel they’re not being taken seriously,” she said.
Chifley Local Area Command crime co-ordinator Sergeant Troy Klower confirmed the biggest problem with rural crime is that it’s underreported.
“Often it’s small numbers of stock, complacency and the fact that in some instances police may not be able to identify the accused,” he said.
He cited stock and equipment theft, trespass, illegal hunting as other crime issues for rural communities.
“To catch a thief is very hard because of the evidence required, but little bits of evidence you have may lead to an arrest,” he said.
Sergeant Klower said people do need to make it harder for a crime to occur by locking their vehicles, taking keys out of ignitions, and locking away equipment and guns when not in use.
Ms Russell urged Burraga residents to come to the meeting and have a say on any issues they feel are relevant.
“This is going to be to try and raise awareness and help the community and support the rural community,” she said.
“Please come and raise issues you feel are of concern.”
The meeting will be help at Burraga Sports and Recreation Club, Lloyd Street, Burraga on Monday, December 1 at 7pm.