NSW Police launch operation to combat livestock theft

The operation called 'Stock Check', is high-visibility and will involve officers inspecting vehicles carrying livestock to identify and target loads which may have been stolen.

Across southern NSW 406 incidents of livestock theft have been recorded in the past three years, amounting to more than $3.1 million in value and approximately 20,354 sheep and 864 cattle.

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Southern Region Sponsor for Rural Crime, Riverina Police District Commander, Superintendent Bob Noble said livestock theft can have a devastating impact on farmers and is a crime which is taken very seriously.

"This operation will allow police to do everything we can to protect the livelihoods of our farmers, who have enough to deal with without having to worry about criminals stealing their stock," Supt Noble said.

"Police in Southern Region can now stop any vehicle carrying livestock in order to confirm the origin of the stock being moved.

"Officers will also be interacting with farmers and engaging with members of their rural communities to ensure they are protecting their stock in every way they can, as prevention is key."

The Rural Crime Prevention Team was created by Commissioner Fuller in late 2017 to strengthen the NSW Police Force's focus on rural crime.

The team has since grown to 52 specialised officers dedicated to investigating rural crime, located at 26 non-metropolitan locations within NSW.