Graziers are warned to remain vigilant and keep an eye on their livestock numbers amid an increasing number of sheep theft reports in the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Police, Agriculture Victoria and City of Greater Bendigo staff were at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange on Thursday recording and assessing 85 sheep seized from Clonbinane, near Kilmore, which were believed stolen.
Leading Senior Constable Dan O'Bree, the central Victorian agricultural liaison officer, said reports of stolen livestock were on the rise.
That could be down to more farmers reporting losses, he said, but sheep prices had increased.
He advised farmers to look for anything strange, keep an eye out for neighbours, and while acknowledging it was difficult to keep on top of numbers, report anything suspicious to police.
Elders livestock agent Kieran O'Shannessy confirmed there had been a "considerable rise in prices".
"Prices are very good at the moment," Mr O'Shannessy said.
"The rain we've received last week has helped... But it's all supply and demand."
The stolen sheep corralled at the livestock exchange were worth an estimated $7000 to $8000, he said.
Mr O'Shannessy said producers had reported losses to him and while they were not "huge numbers", the community needed to be aware of it.
"At the end of the day, it's someone's livelihood," he said.
Leading Senior Constable O'Bree said they had not processed suspected stolen sheep as exhibits in such a way before, and the exercise was based on the methods of NSW Police rural crime investigators.
The Eastern Crime Unit's Detective Senior Constable Peter Harvey said detectives turned to agricultural liaison officers after beginning the investigation late last year, acknowledging they held the knowledge about this type of crime.
A 25-year-old Ringwood East man was charged with theft, handling stolen goods and firearm offences after police raided properties at Clonbinane and Fosterville.
Detective Senior Constable Harvey said further charges of animal cruelty were possible after issues were identified with some of the animals yesterday.
The Ringwood East man will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court in August.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Electronic tagging has uses in fighting crime
All sheep and goats born in Victoria now must be tagged with an accredited electronic ear tag under the National Livestock Identification System.
Agriculture Victoria senior animal health officer Rebecca Keeley said the system allowed each animal to be traced from their property of birth, and were required when an animal was sold or traded.
The previous system allowed for the tracking of flocks, she said, but not individual animals.
The system could help police officers combating rural crime, too - Ms Keeley said the system allowed Agriculture Victoria to identify abnormalities.
She said there had been a good uptake among livestock producers.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
