Inspector Craig Fox says Tasmanian Police is targeting rural crime

Farmers need to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to protecting their assets to complement Tasmania Police officers targeting rural crime, according to Inspector Craig Fox.

Inspector Fox, based at Longford Police Station, is in charge of the Central North Division.

He said that while a recent spike in burglaries, vandalism and firearm theft did not indicate an overall increase in the crime rate, he is keen to target areas based on feedback from landowners.

“We hear things secondhand sometimes and we need anyone who is experiencing anything along the lines of theft, trespassing or illegal shooting to tell us,” he said.

“If we need to change our patrols or our timing we will do that to target certain areas.

“Recent operations have meant starting at 4am, using helicopters, drones and other strategies – we don’t want rural crime to go under-reported and our aim is to deter.”

With 23 police officers in the Division, Inspector Fox said it’s an appropriate number and since taking on the top job about 18 months ago, he’s pleased to see that much of the crime and antisocial behaviour, especially in the Deloraine and Westbury area, has decreased.

A third-generation police officer, Inspector Fox grew up moving around rural communities where both his police parents were stationed, so he is aware of how close-knit small towns can be and how some farmers tend to dismiss what they see or hear and just get on with the job.

“We’ve been working closely with the community and the Meander Valley Council and concentrated our patrols on hot spots, leading to a significant drop in crime,” he said.

“The recent spike at Exton and Mole Creek, including three incidents at Tasmanian Berries, has understandably caused frustration and worry in such small communities where crime is usually very low, but it doesn’t mean that overall there is a rise in rural crime rates – the stats actually say the opposite.”

Farms can be attractive to criminals, Inspector Fox said, because they’re often isolated, have open sheds and have equipment and firearms on site that can be targeted.

Acknowledging that the majority of firearms owners do the right thing when it comes to registration and storage, his team conducts regular checks and encourages owners to beef up their security with lighting and CCTV.

“Any crime to do with firearms is really serious, so whether it’s one or 20 guns make it as difficult as possible for anyone who is looking to steal them,” he advised.

“A firearm burglary means they’re most likely going into the hands of those who aren’t just going to use them for animal control.

“Working in a rural community means we have bigger distances to cover but we have the advantage of a little bit more time to visit landowners, have a chat and investigate any suspicious behaviour.

“But if anyone thinks we can do better or need to target someone or somewhere I want farmers to let me know.”

To report rural crime call 131 444 for a 24/7 response or call crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.