Whanganui's rural community board members will canvas rural residents to gain a better understanding of the spread of crime cameras and to identify any gaps.

Stock thefts in particular have been of concern as well as thefts of bee hives and farm equipment.

Late last year a Fordell farm lost 1400 lambs worth about $120,000 to theft.

Crime cameras have proved effective deterrents in areas where they have been installed, members were told.

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Whanganui District Council officer Rowan McGregor said there was a possibility of council and board funding for cameras as well as from philanthropic trusts and from farmers themselves.

Board chairman David Matthews said at a meeting on Wednesday that board members would ring around neighbours and rural residents to canvas opinions on where more cameras might be needed.

He hoped to produce a map plotting existing cameras to help identify gaps and areas in most need.

The issue would be discussed again at a future meeting.