Reward for farm theft information

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 414, 26 November 1991, Page 3

Reward for farm theft information

A reward of up to $1000 is being offered by the local Federated Farmers branch to persons who supply information leading to a conviction of theft of farm stock, farm machinery and/or woolshed plant. The fund has been in place for some time, said representative William Wallis, and has been recently expanded to take in machinery and plant. "We are very concemed at the escalation of thefts from farms, _ which now includes drench, 4WD bikes, shearing equipment, wool, chainsaws - you name it," said Mr Wallis. The fund has been around for about 15 years and was set up after a rash of cattle thefts. Mr Wallis said it was clear the thefts were organised and that there was a ready market for the stolen property. "Farmers should beware of buying something over the fence. You are taking a risk, it's costing your fellow farmers and you are also breaking the law your-

selves," said Mr Wallis. "If there is no market there would be no theft." Each application for the reward would be viewed on its merits, said Mr Wallis. There was likely to be more thefts over the coming holiday break, said Mr Wallis, and he urged farmers to take extra care to secure their property, ask neighbours to keep an eye out and to not leave wool too long in the shed.