Farmers urged to watch for theft

Farmers need to think about security, and work closely with police to deter and catch offenders, says Federated Farmers.

Hauraki farmers are urged to watch their equipment and stock over the festive season.

Paeroa Police Constable Esau Uiese says this type of incident happens more frequently at this time of the year.

"The last incident we had about stock burglary was about this time last year. This is where people feel more financial pressure. So local farmers need to make sure their stock is accounted for," he said.

The last Federated Farmers survey shows the rural sector is plagued by thieves, rustlers and poachers but not enough farmers are reporting their losses.

"Farmers need to think smarter about security, and work more closely with police to deter and catch offenders," Federated Farmers rural crime portfolio leader Rick Powdrell said.

More than 1000 farmers from all over New Zealand responded to the online survey in October, with 26 per cent saying stock had been stolen from them in the last five years.

More than 3 per cent had been hit by stock thieves five times or more since 2011.

Around 35 per cent of respondents suffered theft of stock or farm equipment in the last two years.

Common targets included chainsaws, shearing gear, generators and fencing tools.

Fuel was stolen from 25 per cent, household items from 8 per cent and nearly 2 per cent said firearms had been taken.

Paeroa and Waihi towns are no exception.

"We have regular reports of trailers, quad bikes or other equipment stolen from rural properties nearby Paeroa. Farmers do really need to watch for their equipment and make sure their shed is locked," Constable Uiese said.

According to the survey, 47 per cent of farmers said they did not have locks on sheds.

"Some farmers also leave their stock nearby the main road overnight before shifting them to another paddock later, that is where it can get stolen. Bringing it closer to the house when you will have some light and better visibility to watch for them is best," he said.

Rick Powdrell says this survey is telling - and wrong - that nearly 60 per cent of respondents said they had not reported stock theft to police, and 38 per cent had not reported stolen property.

"It helps the local police build a comprehensive picture of what crime is happening, where and at what time.

"They can direct their resources accordingly, and it considerably boosts the chances of making arrests, or at the least providing accurate information and warnings distributed via Rural Neighbourhood Support and other networks," he said.

Reported crime also underpins the case for extra police resourcing for rural areas, he says.