Editorial: Stock thefts need concerted response

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

I DON'T have any hard data but it seems that the incidence of stock thefts in the Whanganui and Rangitikei districts is rising.

Certainly the Chronicle has covered a worrying number of rural crimes in recent months, be they the on-paddock butchery of a couple of beasts or wholesale rustling.

Two weeks ago we reported what may well be the largest stock theft in New Zealand - 1400 lambs, worth about $120,000, taken from a Whanganui farm.

There has been no news of anyone being held accountable for what is a serious crime - one which, had it happened to a bank in Auckland, would have prompted significant attention from the media and from the police.

It was a little alarming then to learn that the police had been planning to scale back officer numbers in rural areas. Thankfully, that idea has been shelved.

Last month, Whanganui MP Chester Borrows expressed his concern about police numbers in rural communities and, as a former sole-charge officer in Patea, he spoke with some authority.

Of course, with the increase in burglary - a higher profile, mainly urban crime and one which draws plenty of political heat - the police have other fish to fry, or steaks to barbecue.

But stock thefts can be just as damaging and demoralising as a house break-in and with the thieves seemingly more organised and not averse to violence, there is a strong case for increasing police presence in rural towns before things escalate further.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of catching the culprits is not great. But local knowledge - of the farmers and the local villains - which rural cops usually have plenty of, is a valuable weapon.

Ultimately, however, prevention is the key and here farmers are working together to provide mutual security.

As Whanganui Federated Farmers president Harry Matthews said: "Eyes and ears are our best defence."

That defence needs support - from the police and perhaps also from the Ministry for Primary Industries.