Senior Constable Newman has seen the impact that these crimes, which include trespassing and illegal hunting, can have on farmers in rural NSW.

While farmers try to protect their properties, he said it can be difficult to maintain a high level of vigilance.

“Trespassing and illegal hunting have a gigantic impact on farmers as they are isolated, which creates fear as they are very vulnerable,” he said.

He said with money tied up in the property, theft and cut fences can cause farmers financial hardship as well.

Farmers who come across trespassers should deal with them by getting as much information as they can without engaging the offender, he said.

“Don’t get into a fight with the trespasser as they may be carrying a knife or gun,” he said. “So make sure you get a good description and number plate if possible.”

He said there was a lot farmers could do to look after their properties, including patrolling the boundaries, installing locks, taking keys out of vehicles and installing cameras and alarms at gates.

“My advice is to make it as hard for them as possible,” he said.

“It is vital that farmers report all crime to police so true figures are known, resources distributed and any patterns in crime can be seen.”

The importance of reporting rural crime was also highlighted recently when it was raised by Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, along with Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant.

Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said rural crimes were serious offences and could have a substantial impact on farmers.

“We take every rural crime seriously; however, we’ve found it continues to go unreported because victims often believe there’s no proof, it’s not serious enough to warrant police investigation, or they think nothing can be done. Police has a network of specialist investigators to assist farmers in addressing rural crime,” he said.