Two new rural crime investigators are being deployed to southern NSW in a bid to combat stock theft, trespassing, illegal hunting and firearm theft.
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One will be placed in Goulburn with the Hume Police District while the other will be located in Griffith with the Murrumbidgee Police District.
NSW Police Minister David Elliott announced their deployments along with four other new rural crime investigators in different areas of the state at Dubbo saleyards on July 31.
The two new additions will increase the level of capability that rural crime investigators working as single units currently don't have in southern NSW, NSW Police rural crime prevention corporate sponsor, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie APM said.
The Hume Police District's rural crime unit currently consists of Goulburn-based rural crime officer, Detective Senior Constable Mick Calleja.
News of an additional rural crime investigator has been welcomed by the Home Police District's Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Brendan Bernie.
"This is great news for Goulburn, Southern Highlands, Crookwell, Yass and Young communities. The extra position will provide additional support to the diligent work already being undertaken by the rural crime investigators within the southern region," Chief Inspector Bernie said.
Chief Inspector Bernie said the new position will improve the Hume Police District's capability to "prevent, disrupt and respond to crime issues within the district."
"The Rural Crime Investigation Team will investigate rural crimes such as stock theft and also undertake proactive policing duties targeting issues such as illegal hunting, trespass and property crime matters on rural properties," he said.
Chief Inspector Bernie and Assistant Commissioner McKechnie urged the public to engage with their rural crime investigators within their local police districts to establish relationships well before a problem occurs.
"Police are aware of instances were victims of crime have either delayed or not reported a rural crime incident. I want to encourage everyone in the community to report crime matters to the police as soon as possible. It is important that your local police are aware of when and where crime is occurring so we can appropriately task our resources to reduce crime to achieve a safer NSW," Chief Inspector Bernie said.
"When people realise that there is someone working in their local police district that understands the language, what they're talking about, that is there, dedicated to look after their concerns around crime and safety - the things affecting their communities - we've seen people come on board, and we've urged that as well," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie.
NSW Police hasn't announced when the new investigators would be deployed, but said the other four rural crime investigators would be based in western and northern NSW. The force also has plans to establish a Rural Crime Prevention Team at Casino on the North Coast, comprising a team of sergeant and two investigators, Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"Those positions will roll out over the next 12 months and we'll form that team, working in what is known as the cattle capital of NSW," he said.
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