Connecting East Coast Farmers

According to the 2021 Federated Farmers and NZ Police rural crime survey, out of 1200 farmers, 52% said they had been impacted by crime. Most crimes reported in the survey were livestock theft, agricultural vehicle, small tools and fuel theft, poaching, cannabis growing, and methamphetamine manufacturing.

The survey claims drug-driven crime is having a growing impact on rural areas, with addicted criminals searching out items to sell for cash and manufacturers using remote rural properties.

One thing that has come out of the RPE and is being implemented under the Rural Police Model is the introduction of a new National Rural Inspector position.

Cahill told Rural News that given the importance of the role rural officers and their families play in policing, the introduction of the new role has merit.

“But for it to be meaningful there have to be clear lines of communication from rural officers to this position and, more importantly, National HQ and districts have to listen to the issues raised through the position and address the concerns that are identified by the rural officers and the whānau”.

Cahill adds, however, that it’s important to give the new model and the Rural Police Enhancement Project a chance.

22-23 February 2023

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