This is an exciting new space for us to showcase the important work we do at Crime Stoppers Victoria.
October has been a busy month for our team, with two crime prevention campaigns launching.
Helping ‘Break the Chain’
The Break the Chain campaign focused on how the public can help stop the importation and exportation of illegal wildlife in Australia, by contacting Crime Stoppers with any wildlife trafficking information or suspicions. With some native species demanding thousands of dollars on the black market, this cruel trade can be just as lucrative for criminals as drugs and firearms trafficking.
Shining a light on farm crime
Our second campaign, Putting a Spotlight on Farm Crime, encouraged Victorian farmers to speak up about theft on properties.
New data Crime Statistics Agency revealed livestock theft across the state has risen by two per cent in the past 12 months, costing rural communities close to $2,000,000. Despite this staggering figure, underreporting of farm crime remains a widespread problem.
“Non-reporting affects resourcing decisions”
Dr Alistair Harkness, Co-Director of the Centre for Rural Criminology at the University of New England, recently conducted an illuminating study into rural crime in Victoria and shared his valuable insights with Crime Stoppers Victoria for the farm crime campaign.
“Non-reporting affects resourcing decisions. If the reality of farm crime is not known, then appropriate attention cannot be paid at either local or state-wide levels. It also means that the weight of the law won’t be applied to those who engage in criminality – after all, investigations can only occur after reports are made,” Dr Harkness said.
“That’s why it’s vital that any thefts from farms are reported – to Victoria Police or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.”
‘Most wanted’ signs
As part of the farm crime campaign, Crime Stoppers Victoria offered farmers and property owners free security signs. From Benalla to Hamilton, requests flooded in, yielding what could only be described as a ‘bumper crop’ of selfies and positive feedback. “It’s a great idea and much appreciated,” one property owner emailed Crime Stoppers Victoria.
‘It’s okay to tell’
Back in the city, you could say all signs pointed to sharing information Crime Stoppers, with dozens of eye-catching street posters popping up across the CBD. The next time you’re on a stroll, see if you can find one (and be sure to share it with us on Instagram!).
Find out more about our campaigns here and follow us on our social media channels.
And don’t forget…
If you have any crime information, make a confidential report here or call 1800 333 000.