General News
20 May, 2025
Online tool to help secure regional properties
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria are working together to improve the security of Victorian farms and regional properties following a rise in crime in regional areas.
According to the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency, Horsham was among the top five local government areas for recorded offences, with 12,989.3 offences reported.
Together, the organisations have launched 'How safe is my farm', an online quiz to help farmers identify what they can do to reduce the risk of crime on their properties. It is an Australian-first initiative developed with Victoria Police.
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria chief executive officer Bambi Gordon said the new data reinforced the need for farmers to be vigilant and take the right precautions.
"We know that farm crime can be a serious issue for Victorians," Ms Gordon said.
"It can be costly, disruptive, and mentally exhausting to one of our hardest-working communities.
“Crime is opportunistic, and we can remove that opportunity by keeping an eye on each other, reporting crimes and suspicious behaviour when we see it, and using preventative security measures.
“Times have changed.
"But, on the upside, we know that theft is often opportunistic, so if we can remove the opportunity, we can prevent crime from occurring.”
To use the online tool and find out more, visit howsafeismyplace.com.au/farm
Western Region Division Four Superintendent Sharon McCrory said the rise in farm crimes came from farmers making more reports.
"Some farmers are reluctant to report as they can't narrow down a timeframe," Supt McCrory said.
"To them, it might not seem worth it to report, but to us it is, and we will investigate it."
Supt McCrory said there were no specific trends, but the common types of farm crimes that police had been seeing recently included livestock, break-ins, and thefts of machinery and firearms.
"Sheep are the most common type of livestock stolen," she said.
Farm crime liaison officers are stationed in Horsham, Warracknabeal, Stawell and Ararat and welcome farmers who are seek help to take steps to secure their property.
"If in doubt, get in touch with an officer," Supt McCrory said.
"They can advise on security and what farmers can do."
Supt McCrory said a piece of advice to farmers was that if they saw suspicious activity, they should report it.
"We would rather it be a false alarm than them not call at all," she said.
"If we don't know about it, we can't help.
"It also helps us gather the intel to identify trends and movements in certain areas."
She encouraged farmers to be vigilant, secure their vehicles, and not to leave their vehicles running or with the keys inside.
"Keep their houses and sheds locked or use a padlock," she said.
"If you can, install CCTV cameras that can connect to your phone."
Victoria Police has resources available on the website that offer tips around farm safety.
Visit www.police.vic.gov.au/farm-crime-liaison-officers