Farmers are growing increasingly alarmed at the prevalence of crime in their communities, but particularly concerned that those responsible are not being brought to justice.
In other words, there is a growing criminal element in our society and, from the perspective of farmers and for a variety of reasons, those perpetrating the crimes are getting away with it too often.
Farm vehicles are being stolen, livestock are being killed, fences are being destroyed, people are trespassing on our land. It has reached such a scale that one has to conclude that in too many instances it is organised and often drug-related.
There are not enough police officers, we believe, but they also tell us that criminals or suspects are savvy about their rights under the law. They know that, unless they are caught in the act, they are unlikely to be arrested. If they are, they can be bailed and if they are convicted they face sentences that the community sees increasingly as light. From the farmer’s point of view, this is frustrating.
Usually, like the police, we know who the usual suspects are. We see them walking free within our small communities, effectively laughing in our faces. That is hard to take.
I am talking from bitter experience. My property was invaded recently, entry gained after two padlocks were broken and valuable equipment stolen. All this was caught on camera.
Farmers and farming families are not the only victims of rural crime.
Everybody is, through the insurance premiums they pay. Instead of having our stolen items returned to us, we have to claim on our insurance policies. So it ends up costing the insurance companies an unnecessary payout, they increase premiums across the board, so everyone ends up paying.
What to do about it?
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association will be seeking a meeting with insurers through the Insurance Council of Australia with a view to making a joint approach to the State Government.
THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN THE TAS COUNTRY ON 21ST AUGUST 2015.
TFGA president Wayne Johnston
