Police call farmers to report Bundaberg thefts

Bundaberg farmers have found themselves the targets of a crime wave during the busy harvesting season.

Bundaberg police have warned local farmers to lock up, after a spate of thefts in farming areas.

Farmers are being encouraged to use lockboxes for keys to machinery, and to check security lighting installed around equipment.

Senior Constable Brittany Duncan said fuel had also been reported as siphoned from farm vehicles and drums.

“Be vigilant about unknown persons in the area and report anything suspicious to police, no matter how minor you think it may be, police want to know,” she said.

Stolen vehicles had also been reported, including quad bikes and farm vehicles, as well as tools and machinery.

Snr Const Duncan called on farmers to report on any crimes, as many thefts and other offences went unreported.

“Unfortunately, police are aware of further offences that aren’t being reported and are strongly encouraging landholders to report offences that are occurring,” she said.

“Not only so that they are aware of offences occurring but so that investigations can commence and offenders prosecuted,” she said.

To combat the rising cases of theft, extra officers have been placed on patrol in farming areas on the lookout for any suspicious behaviour.

“Police are currently investigating these offences and are appealing to anyone who may have any information in relation to the reports to contact Policelink,” Snr Const Duncan said.

With a busy harvesting season keeping many Bundaberg farmers on their toes, the key message is to keep equipment locked and keys hidden.

“This is a timely reminder for all farmers to secure their property by locking vehicles and farm equipment away and ensure keys are kept out of sight,” Snr Const Duncan said.

Rural Crime Prevention fact sheet.

Police are also encouraging farmers to implement the following safety tips to avoid potential theft:

- Install CCTV cameras where fuel and machinery is stored.

- Detail all farming inventory and include serial numbers, inscriptions and any other identifying features.

- Keep as much equipment and machinery in the same area as possible.

- Photograph and record all stock and machinery that cannot be easily marked or tracked.

- Keep all gates locked and closed.