Queensland Police announce new campaign to help rural property owners across the Darling Downs prevent livestock, machinery thefts

Police have launched a campaign to help prevent theft on rural properties across the Darling Downs. Here’s how you can get involved.

Darling Downs Acting Superintendent Scott Stahlhut and Detective Acting Inspector Jim Lacey of the Rural and Stock Squad announce 'Shut the Gate' campaign to prevent rural property crime. Photo: Jessica Klein

Queensland Police Service has released a string of resources for rural property owners in a bid to prevent thefts of livestock and machinery across the Darling Downs.

Along with a series of roadshow events held by the Rural and Stock Crime Squad across the region, landowners will also have access to prevention tips on fuel tank, livestock and machinery security and how to report suspicious behaviour.

A dedicated Rural Crime Prevention web page has also been developed with a range of downloadable resources for landowners.

Darling Downs Acting Superintendent Scott Stahlhut said the roadshow will allow local police and the RSCS to meet with landowners to provide practical crime prevention advice tailored to individual communities.

“In select areas private property signage will be made available and are designed to try and reduce trespassing and opportunistic threat, which is a real issue,” Superintendent Stahlhut said.

“They serve as a visible reminder that rural crime is being taken seriously and that locals are actively protecting their property.”

Police revealed the vast majority of these crimes are opportunistic and urged rural property owners to be vigilant, particularly if they’re leaving the property for a period of time.

Detective Acting Inspector Jim Lacey of the Rural and Stock Crime Squad said these crimes have remained prevalent, with offenders enticed by the number of assets on rural properties.

“This initiative will help arm the people out there with the information they need to assist us in combating those crimes,” Inspector Lacey said.

Detective Acting Inspector and Rural and Stock Crime Squad operations manager Jim Lacey emphasised the importance of collaboration between police and landowners in maintaining safer rural areas. Photo: Jessica Klein

Investigations remain ongoing into the suspected theft of 21 sheep from a Mount Whitestone farm in April.

Inspector Lacey advised landowners to implement security cameras around their property, ensure they have sufficient locks and to keep a presence around.

“Don’t advertise that you’re away, have your equipment locked away to make it more difficult for them,” he said.

Adequate fencing around livestock can also help police determine whether an offence has occurred or whether the livestock have managed to escape the property.

The initiative will target rural and remote communities within the Darling Downs District, which extends from Kingaroy down to Wallangarra on the Queensland-NSW border.

Three information sessions will be held across the region starting at Oakey RSL on May 15, Laidley Bowls Club on May 26 and Pittsworth Function Centre on May 27.

Landowners can register their interest in attending these information sessions here.