Additional rural crime investigators announced

The NSW Police Force will roll out 10 new Rural Crime Investigator positions as part of the biggest increase in police numbers in more than 30 years.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the new positions will boost the total number of Rural Crime Investigators in action across the state to 53.

“The NSW government’s $583 million commitment to deliver an extra 1500 police positions over four years is allowing police to really muscle up its specialist squads,” said Mr Toole, who announced the new roles at the AgQuip field days at Gunnedah.

“In the space of five years, NSW Police will have more than doubled its Rural Crime Prevention Team investigators and staff, allowing it to ramp up its focus on crimes like stock, machinery and fuel theft.

“We know rural crime investigations can be complex and time-consuming to investigate. This will ensure police have the resources they need to tackle it and crack down on the lowlifes who prey on farms’ geographic isolation to commit crime.

“Many of the current investigators have lived and worked on the land, and continue to play a critical role in building positive relationships between police and the farming community, as well as supporting victims of crime.”

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the boost to the Rural Crime Investigator squad will play a significant role in ensuring farmers feel supported and protected.

“With current input prices being so high and the value of livestock reaching near record levels, it’s critical we remain vigilant with protecting primary producers from farm gate thieves,” Mr Saunders said.

“Farms in NSW are large scale business operations and it is critical we have targeted support in place to make sure agricultural-related crime is addressed.”

Detective Chief Inspector and head of the Rural Crime Prevention Team Cameron Whiteside said the new positions would make a significant difference to the way police supported rural communities.

“Many of our current investigators have worked on the land themselves for years, so they can very much relate to farmers who need our help,” Detective Chief Inspector Whiteside said.

“Whether it’s investigating cattle theft or a case of animal cruelty, the services that these investigators provide to the community are extremely diverse and unique.

“With our regional communities growing, the NSW Police Force is now better equipped than ever to prevent and respond to rural crime.”