YELLOW-and-white signs on Gannawarra farm property gateways are part of an initiative by police to help combat farm crime.
In partnership with Crime Stoppers, the farm gate sign initiative was created by the Victoria Police farm crime co-ordination unit with the aim of preventing farm crime and helping farmers reflect on how they can make their own properties more secure.
“It’s about trying to get farmers to think about their own farm security, what they can do, and to highlight what they have in place on the farms in relation to farm security,” Gary Wilson, of the farm crime co-ordination unit, said.
“It also makes it a disincentive for criminals to want to attend their properties.”
Farm crime is said to be notoriously under-reported, making it hard for police to guage exactly what is happening and where they should be putting their resources.
“Our message to the farmers is to report, give us a real indication of what is happening and where it is happening,” Mr Wilson said.
“That enables us then to not only identify what is happening but put our resources to it.
“Even if the farmers think that it is a small matter and not worth reporting, we ask that they do.”
Local Kerang police officer Andrew Neil believes these signs will be a great help in both prevention and more reporting locally.
“I think we find in general that speed signs slow us down, directional signs tell us where to go,” Sergeant Neil said.
“If we drive past a farm with camera signs and our new farm crime prevention signs, that gets the message out there that locally all the good guys are working together to hinder the people that are doing the wrong thing.”
Local farmer Brett Radcliffe already has security cameras and fuel tank meters in place to help prevent crime at his property, but believes the signs will be another deterrent for criminals thinking of entering private properties.
“There’s a lot of money invested in farms nowadays,” Mr Radcliffe said.
“We work hard for it, so why should other people take it?”
To report farm crime or suspicious activity, visit the local police station or call the police assistance line on 131 444.
“Every crime is worth reporting and worth investigating, and every crime has its impact on the farmers,” Mr Wilson said.
If you are interested in getting a farm gate sign for your property, contact your local police station.
