Fences cut and defibrillator stolen at berry farm

Police are investigating a burglary at Tasmanian Berries’ Osmaston farm where three offenders reportedly entered the business sometime between Friday, August 28 and Monday, August, 31.

They damaged locks, cut power to the property and removed electric fencing which could have caused livestock to get out onto the road.

The farm's owners are particularly gobsmacked that a defibrillator was also stolen.

With clear CCTV footage of the burglary, those involved and the vehicle used, investigators are following a specific line of inquiry.

Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au and quote OR 815202.

Tasmanian Berries produces hydroponic strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and in-ground blueberries across sites in Exton, Christmas Hills and Bundaberg in Queensland.

Tasmania Police is working with rural communities to tackle crime, with a community forum in Latrobe at the end of the month focussing on rural crime prevention.

The forum will be hosted by Latrobe Police, with support from Latrobe Council, and will aim to educate farmers and property owners on strong proactive safety measures.

Senior Sergeant Martin Parker from the Latrobe Police Station said while Tasmania was a safe place to live, rural crime continued to impact farming businesses and rural communities. 

“We know the loss of vehicles, machinery, fuel, livestock, firearms and farm equipment to theft can have a significant impact on our farming operations, and the wider community,” he said. 

“This forum is an opportunity for farmers and property owners in the Devonport, Latrobe and Kentish municipalities to engage with local police and to discuss the impact of rural crime, and for police to provide practical advice on protecting properties from theft.

“The event will focus on a number of issues, including firearms storage, and general safety and security measures. We encourage rural property owners to come along, and engage with local police – preventing crime is a shared responsibility.”  

The event will be held at 7pm on Monday, September 21 at the Hamilton Hub at Latrobe (18 Hamilton Street).