Livestock theft: Record number of cattle stolen, only handful of arrests in Victoria

Hundreds of livestock have been stolen since the start of the pandemic and only a handful of arrests made. See the “damning statistics”.

A year in-and-out of lockdown didn’t reduce the number of livestock stolen in Victoria. Picture: Zoe Phillips

A global pandemic did little to deter thieves from stealing livestock in Victoria, the latest crime statistics reveal.

Crime Statistics Agency data for the year ending March 2021 revealed 257 livestock – worth $1,971,509 – were stolen across the state compared to 234 – worth $2,155,382 – the year before.

And there were just four arrests, meaning 82 per cent of livestock theft offences went unsolved. The year before 84 per cent of offences were unsolved.

A record high number of cattle (90) were stolen in the year leading up to March 2021 – the highest CSA records show for the last 15 years.

Victorian Farmers Federation livestock group president Steve Harrison said they were “damning statistics” but unfortunately “no surprise at all”.

“It’s very rare to get someone prosecuted which is very disappointing,” he said.

Mr Harrison said he wants to see an industry round table, including government, police, farmers, stock agents and transport drivers, to encourage a more united approach.

“We need everyone around the table to communicate what’s actually happening and get prosecutions happening,” he said.

“Maybe we have to go back and revisit boluses in cattle … We need dedicated traceability in potentially more than one form (ear tags).”

Covid-19 restrictions were first implemented in Australia in March 2020, meaning the new year-on-year data for April to March paints a picture of livestock theft recorded before the pandemic and the year since the pandemic.

However, Farm Crime Coordination Unit Inspector Karl Curran said a clear picture of how Covid-19 affected the crime rate wouldn’t be seen until more post-lockdown data is released.

Insp Curran said the delay in reporting stock theft could also impact the true statistics, and reminded farmers to keep an eye on their cattle numbers.

“Victoria Police understands the demands and pressures that come with farming, however we urge farmers to be vigilant and count their stock, and record details of their equipment as often as possible,” he said.

Insp Curran said the monetary value of cattle stolen was also of high concern, with stock worth $509,350 stolen in 2021 compared to $232,700 in 2020.

“It is vital that livestock owners take stock prices into consideration when reporting theft and ensure they report the true value of the property stolen,” he said.

Victoria joined other Australian states in a cross-border police operation in March targeting the movement and sale of stolen livestock.

There have been no arrests or charges made in the state as a result of Operation Stock Check, which involves random inspections of livestock carriers.

Recent Covid-19 restrictions disrupted planned blitz’s at saleyards for May and June, but are expected to begin again soon.

Insp Curran said livestock owners should be aware checks may occur in any area at any time.

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