SA Police are stepping up ‘Operation Poach’ and increasing the number of Livestock Inspectors in country areas, following a rise in livestock theft across the State.
Last financial year there were 116 reported incidents of stock theft, which are estimated to have cost South Australian farmers $1 million. The most heavily impacted areas have been the Mid North and Murray Mallee.
In partnership with PIRSA, SAPOL have just launched specialised livestock training for frontline officers in regional areas. While bolstering the ability to prevent and investigate stock theft, the training is likely to lead to more police officers becoming authorised as official Livestock Inspectors.
