On Tuesday 6 May, Queensland Police Service launched the Shut the Gate on Rural Crime Campaign to help landholders safeguard their properties against rural crime.
As part of the campaign, a dedicated Rural Crime Prevention webpage has been developed, featuring a suite of downloadable resources including security brochures detailing ways to deter fuel tank, livestock and machinery thefts.
It also includes a property marking checklist, crime prevention handbook and a factsheet for reporting suspicious activity.
Tips for improving the security on your property – legislative requirements for firearm security and storage can be found in the firearm storage brochure.
Machinery Security:
Remove the keys from powered machinery and if possible, disable the machinery.
Ensure that the doors of machinery with cabs are locked.
Consider installing radios that operate only with a security code and can be connected to the auxiliary power of the machine.
Secure machinery with heavy chains and good quality locks.
Large farm machinery, not in use, should be stored in a secured shed, preferably in sight of the homestead or an employee’s or neighbour’s house.
If machinery must be left out, position out of sight from the main road such as behind a tree or hill.
Always ensure that you know where your equipment is located on the farm.
Fuel tank security:
Close and lock the valves on all tanks including overhead tanks when not in use.
Turn off the power to the pumps.
Keep track of fuel purchases. If possible, dip tanks daily and monitor your fuel usage so that you know if there is an unexplained loss of fuel.
If possible, keep a book at the tank for each user to record fuel usage for various vehicles
and machinery.
Ask your fuel agent to notify you when the tanks are being refilled.
Consider installing security cameras to monitor the use of the fuel tanks. Some cameras can send photos direct to smartphones.
A well-trained dog and sensor lighting can be effective security measures, deterring intruders and alerting residents to their presence.
Ensure fuel tanks are well-lit at night with security lighting.
Store only minimal amounts of fuel in hard to secure areas such as in paddocks or machinery left in paddocks.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
