Operation Poach combats stock theft

Operation Poach has been credited for the drop in financial losses and reported incidents, as SA Police documents obtained by Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire under Freedom of Information laws showed a decrease from $780,000 in 2012-13 to $530,000 in the past financial year.

The specialised policing operation began in July 2011.

There was also a drop in the number of reported incidents from 96 to 78.

Of the 78 reported, the most, 19, were from the Yorke-Mid North region, followed by 18 from the Limestone Coast.

Three arrests were made in the past financial year that resulted in one conviction, however a SAPOL representative said only one related to the theft of a "large number" of livestock.

In comparison in 2012-13 there were five arrests.

Mr Brokenshire said it proved his push for a designated stock squad from 2008 to 2011 was worth it.

And while he welcomed the results he would like to see more offenders apprehended as a deterrent to other "would-be" livestock thieves.

He said those living in rural areas deserved the same law enforcement as those in cities.

"Police have a better tracking of the true cost of stock theft to rural communities," he said.

"It is a great result but we have got to keep it going.

"People are prosecuted and charged if they steal fuel or rob a shop.

"The reality is exactly the same if someone goes into your paddock and steals sheep."

Mr Brokenshire said it was important farmers continued to report stock theft early, were vigilant on their properties and engaged with police through Operation Poach.

SAPOL acting assistant commissioner Tom Osborn (regional operations service) said Operation Poach was an ongoing operation and as such, the majority of SA Police, particularly those based in regional areas, were aware of it.

Each of the seven regional local service areas had trained agricultural liaison officers to assist police and farmers.