The NSW Police response to rural crime in the Upper Hunter Electorate will be bolstered with a new Rural Crime Investigator among 10 additional officers appointed across the state as part of the biggest increase in police numbers in more than 30 years.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said the new role will create a unit of three specialist investigators for the Hunter Valley Police District and I now urge rural communities to report all incidents of crime on their farms and in their community.
“What is also significant about this Rural Crime Prevention Team announcement is that extra investigators have been assigned to police districts neighbouring my electorate,” Mr Layzell said.
“Manning Great Lakes, Mid-North Coast, Oxley and Orana Mid-Western have also had their specialist rural crime ranks bolstered.”
“I hope the strengthening of the rural crime team sends a very strong message to those who have targeted rural properties across the Upper Hunter – the Rural Crime Prevention Team is now stronger and your prospects of being caught have just increased.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the positions deliver on the NSW Government’s $583 million commitment to community safety through the roll-out of 1,500 extra police positions over four years.
“Rural crime specialist investigators focus on a range of crime, whether it’s theft of stock, grain or wool, rural arson and fraud, firearm offences, cruelty to animals or trespassing,” Mr Toole said.
“These crimes affect farmers, their families and entire livelihoods, so it’s critical we have the support and resources needed to ensure regional communities continue to thrive,” Mr Toole said.
“These investigators have lived and worked on the land and continue to play a critical role in building positive relationships between police and the farming community, as well as supporting victims of crime.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Hunter Valley Police District Command, Muswellbrook.
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