Farmers Urged To Report Suspicious Activity As rural Thefts Rise

• Southern District Police are urging rural communities to report suspicious or unusual activity.
• Detective Senior Sergeant Gregory Baird stresses the importance of acting on instinct and reporting.
• Simple security measures, such as locking gates and sheds, can help deter potential thieves.

Southern District Police are calling on rural residents to stay vigilant and report anything that seems out of place, following a spate of thefts across the region. The thefts, which include stolen tools and ATVs, have occurred across a wide area stretching from Invercargill to Hedgehope.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gregory Baird, Area Manager Investigation, is urging rural communities to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. “We’re asking rural communities, no matter where you are, to keep an eye out. If something seems weird, tell us,” he said.

If residents witness any suspicious or illegal activity, they should immediately call 111 if it is happening in real-time, or report it on 105 if it is after the fact. "When you make a report, we’re able to see where crime is happening, and where our attention needs to be. Don’t wait, don’t assume it’s ‘probably nothing’ – trust your instincts," Baird emphasised.

The Police have noted that rural crime often goes unreported, and they are keen to see that change. A significant number of these incidents occur at properties with minimal security, but Baird suggests that small actions can make a big difference. “Think of criminals as being lazy. They want easy targets where they can get in and out quickly. Don’t make it easy for them,” he added.

Even simple measures, such as locking gates or securing sheds, can help deter would-be thieves and reduce the risk of further crime in rural areas.