Victorian farmers, surrounded by acres of land and the isolation of rural Victoria, are battling property theft.
The frosted grass melts with each step, the early morning glow wakes the land, with the cattle moving like shadows behind the rising sun. A picture-perfect morning, seven days a week; the humble routine Victorian farmers repeat. However, as farm property theft increases, there is anxiety.
Farm crime in Victoria is an ongoing issue, affecting already vulnerable farmers. The latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency (year ending June 2025) revealed a record numbers of theft. More than 2600 items were stolen from farm locations, valued at more than $8 million.
Mildura Farmer, Robert Mathews told the Herald Sun in August that losing tools and diesel was the last thing farmers needed.
“Livestock theft has been the probably the most expensive,” he said. “It’s extremely difficult.”
Farmer Helen Smith spoke on the ABCs Victorian Country Hour after several of her sheep were stolen.
“We’ve been on alert because of the thefts,” she said. “Probably more cautious than ever.”
Smith had contacted the police, but was told little could be done.
“But as they say, you know, like to them, there’s just sheep missing, there’s no evidence of an actual crime,” she said. “There’s no video or photos of somebody stealing sheep.
“It’s a massive, massive impact to us. In an already really bad year, we’ve fought to keep these sheep healthy. And then just people just ride in and take them.”
The already vulnerable group now having to rethink how they can keep their farms out of the increasing theft statistics.
The Victorian Farmers Federation and Victoria Police began working together to create The Farm Crime Unit in 2019. Information regarding crime prevention is published on the Victoria Police website.
Farm Crime Liaison Officers (FCLOs) have been introduced to provide specialist advice on livestock theft and other farm related crime. First Constable Laura Taylor, said in a Victoria Police online video,
“Our role is really important to support farmers and educate them in relation to farm related offences,” she said. “A lot of it gets under-reported or it doesn’t get reported at all.”
This unique FCLO role allows farmers an avenue to connect with police that have a greater understanding of the unique nature of farm related crime. FCLOs are dedicated and passionate about helping farmers specifically, although it is a volunteer role and is part of an officer’s larger workload.
Crime Stoppers Victoria in partnership with Victoria Police launched the, ‘Shut Out Farm Campaign’ in 2022, responding to the rising farm-related theft. The campaign helped increase property security and empower farmers with resources to help report and stop farm crime.
To help Victorian farmers enhance their security measures, the campaign developed free resources to be shared at two agricultural events in 2022. On the Crime Stoppers Website there is a free farm security checklist that can be downloaded.
Although launched in 2022, Crime Stoppers continue dedicated farm specific resources. The most recent ‘Moo-ving Towards Safety: A Guide to Farm Security’ released in April.
Victorian farmers have consistently been amongst the most affected by crime nation-wide in the past decade, despite Police Victoria’s continued attempts to combat crime issues in rural communities.
Far from Melbourne’s bustling concrete CBD, the rural skyline frozen in time, cows stand lethargically under the clear sky, the moon hides in the daylight free from the polluted city. Secluded by acres of hard work, a Victorian farmer wraps up after another demanding day.
If you or anyone you know needs help: Flying Doctor Wellbeing on (03) 8412 0480
Rural Aid on 1300 327 624
Lifeline on 131 144
Police Assistance Line on 131 444
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
This story is part of a project exploring regional Victoria and the issues farmers are facing. See the whole collection here.
