Rural crimes are major crimes

It is in the nature of farming communities to be at risk as they are usually isolated, sparsely populated areas with often rugged/inaccessible (making it easy to lose track of stock) and high-value equipment.

Stock theft is a major issue for cattle producers and AgForce works closely with the Stock and Rural Crime Squad (SARCIS) on this issue.

Find out what you can do to minimise the risk of rural crime on your property.

Policy wins include:

• Developing a series of Recommendations by the Stock Working Group to improve the legislative framework for stock theft and retrieval

• AgForce lobbied for a number of specialist prosecutors from the Department of Public Prosecution.

• Queensland Police Service resourcing to SARCIS has been maintained.

• Rural magistrates have been contacted with concerns over lenient penalties.

• By working with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, AgForce has created greater awareness through the whole Queensland Police force about the animal welfare needs of livestock in transport.