Police to tackle livestock theft after $7m worth of stock stolen

Police officers have headed to Millmerran for a course on dealing with livestock theft, after annual numbers reveal millions of dollars worth of stock were stolen.

Detectives from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCS) Rural – also known as the Stock Squad – are continuing to enhance their skills to be best placed to work with regional communities and ensure the security of agricultural industries in Queensland.

Livestock theft has been on the rise across regional Queensland, so the State Government has committed to resolving the issues through investigation courses and rural task forces.

Detectives from the Major and Organised Crime Squad Rural – also known as the Stock Squad – are continuing to enhance their skills to be best placed to work with regional communities and ensure the security of agricultural industries in Queensland, thanks to an innovative annual course held in Millmerran.

In the last two years, approximately 7051 head of cattle, valued at $7 million, and within 203 livestock theft occurrences.

The course trains existing and hopeful investigators from across the state, as well as from other policing jurisdictions in the skills required to carry out livestock investigations.

This includes a range of practical components such as equine and motor skills, animal husbandry, navigation, mustering, exhibit handling and brief preparation.

Detective Superintendent of the Drug and Serious Crime Group Colin Briggs said MOCS Rural investigators consistently worked on enhancing prevention and disruption strategies.

“With fluctuations in the price and value of stock, we know the value these specialist police officers present in their abilities to investigate anything that jeopardises the integrity of the industry,” he said.

“Spending time and effort refreshing key skills in areas relevant to these specialist roles ensures that our investigators all around the state continue to be able to efficiently undertake their unique duties.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said there was the opportunity for the MOCS Rural officers to engage with their counterparts, including the two Rural Crime Investigators from interstate also in attendance this year.

“The course gives investigators the opportunity to come together with their colleagues from around the state and where possible, their counterparts from other policing jurisdictions to share knowledge and experiences,” he said.

“With investigators located in regional areas across the state, the community can have confidence that MOCS Rural are committed to investigating and prosecuting farm, stock and rural crime.

“The skills they are learning and refreshing at this course are only going to better equip them to do so.

“From compliance checks in saleyards and inspecting vehicles carrying livestock to disrupting other rural crime, I’m confident these MOCS Rural officers will return to their respective communities ready to continue the great level of service they already provide to our Queensland rural communities.”