Press Releases

A co-ordinated strategy to crack down on farm crime and livestock theft was officially launched at the inaugural state conference of the Victoria Police Livestock and Farm Crime Specialist Group in Echuca today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Peter Ryan officially opened the conference saying farming communities had welcomed the new focus on stamping out livestock and farm crime.

“Last financial year there were 250 recorded offences of livestock theft across Victoria, worth an estimated $1.7 million,” Mr Ryan said.

“This growing problem is now receiving the focus needed to prosecute thieves and criminals taking advantage of Victoria’s farmers.

“This important two-day event will be held twice a year to ensure Victoria’s team of 42 specialist Agricultural Liaison Officers (ALOs) build knowledge and specialist skills in this important area of policing.

“Farming industry representatives will be on-hand to help educate ALOs and ensure they have the skills, intelligence gathering and professional networks needed to investigate, prosecute and prevent these sorts of crimes.”

Mr Ryan said the Livestock Theft and Farm Related Crime Strategy 2012-15 would provide the framework for Victoria Police’s offensive against farm crime.

“The strategy will focus on four key areas; prevention, intelligence, enforcement and integrated operations,” Mr Ryan said.

“It also aims to build partnerships between police and industry at a local level to reduce the opportunity for these sorts of crimes.

“A strategic advisory group will be established to work with agencies to develop state-wide crime prevention programs for farmers and other regional Victorians.

“Under the strategy, Victoria Police will also establish an online ‘information hub’ to provide training to ALOs and access to up-to-date information on local crime issues.”

Mr Ryan said the delivery of targeted resources to crack down on livestock and farm crime offences was a key part of the Coalition’s regional law and order agenda during the 2010 election.

“It is pleasing to see this important initiative starting to make a real difference in regional and rural communities,” Mr Ryan said.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541  Read More

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Peter Ryan joined Victoria Police and community representatives in Elmore today to celebrate the official opening of the town’s new $400,000 police station. Read More

Acting Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan today welcomed the additional safety that newly-deployed Victoria Police Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will provide commuters travelling Melbourne’s metropolitan rail network. Read More

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan was in Koo Wee Rup today to officially open the town’s new $1.65 million police station.

Mr Ryan joined Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius at the new station and said it would provide an additional police presence in the growing outer south east.

“The Coalition Government has made law and order one of its highest priorities and the new Koo Wee Rup police station is a valuable investment in community safety,” Mr Ryan said.

“The station is staffed 16 hours a day and is home to five officers – one sergeant and four senior constables, which is a significant increase in resourcing for the station.”

Mr Ryan said the new station, located next door to the old police station, incorporated a range of modern facilities that would support future policing in the area.

“The new station includes an entrance foyer, reception counter, watch house, mess room, interview room, holding room and a lock-up garage.”

Mr Ryan said Victoria’s police officers worked to protect the local community all year round and this new facility would ensure they had the resources to do this even more effectively.

“The station also incorporates sustainable features, such as rain-water tanks, a solar energy system, and a drought tolerant garden design, all of which will help reduce running costs,” Mr Ryan said.

Member for Member for Bass Ken Smith and Member for Eastern Victoria Edward O’Donohue also attended the event and welcomed the boost to local police infrastructure.

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government was recruiting 1,700 extra frontline police by November 2014 in the largest ever boost to frontline resources in a single term of government in Victoria’s history.

“By 30 June this year, 850 additional police will be allocated across Victoria, including additional resources in the Southern Metropolitan Region,” Mr Ryan said.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541  Read More