In jaw-dropping stats from the Crime Statistics Agency, a whopping $5.74 million worth of livestock, tools and equipment were reported stolen by farmers over the past 12 months.

Complacent farmers not locking up their tools could be contributing to the issue, said one police officer in the region.

“Crooks are finding it easier to steal up in the country,” he said.

“Farmers now have to adjust to the changing world. These thieves have cars, they can drive up into your paddock, get into your shed and take what they please if you leave it unlocked.” 

This total value of items stolen from farms could potentially even approach the $10 million range if many crimes went unreported, or farmers may not notice when seldom used items are taken from their shed.

“They might not notice for months. If a $1000 chainsaw gets stolen from your shed a lot of people might not notice it’s gone until you go to cut down a tree.”

The officer also said the rise in drug use in the region could be playing a contributing factor in the increase in thefts. 

A police officer from Rokewood reiterated these comments, saying that farm-related items going missing “certainly goes on.”

The biggest category of stolen property in the past financial year was livestock, with $2.07 million worth reported, including $1.36 million of sheep.