Local police are urging residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their properties in response to a recent uptick in thefts across Mount Gambier.


Limestone Coast Police Superintendent Cheryl Brown highlighted the issue, emphasising the need for heightened awareness, especially during the holiday season.


“There certainly has been some level of theft,” she said.


“Christmas time is a period where it is known that people will have presents sitting under the Christmas tree, which could be quite a targeted space for people to look for something to easily steal.


“So being vigilant about not having those types of environments visible from outside the house is important.”


Supt Brown said theft was occurring fairly evenly across the board, but could vary depending on the regional context.


“We have seen farming equipment being taken and tools stolen from open sheds, unlocked sheds, and just very, very recently we have started to see some thefts of breaking in and stealing Christmas presents in this sort of nature,” she said.


“Water theft and fuel theft is also very popular, and we have recently seen a number of thefts of wool bales as well.”


To combat rural theft, SAPOL has partnered with Crime Stoppers to launch a comprehensive rural crime prevention campaign.


The campaign was launched in response to theft from rural properties and focuses on empowering property owners with tools to enhance security.


One such tool is the availability of signs that convey private property status, serving as a deterrent to potential criminals.


“With rural theft and crime, we have engaged with Crime Stoppers who are engaging with community councils so we can make sure all relevant support is available,” Supt Brown said.


Supt Brown outlined key measures that residents can take to protect their homes and belongings, including locking up equipment, removing keys from exposed machinery, and maintaining vigilance regarding unfamiliar individuals in the vicinity.


“Reporting that to the police helps us to keep on top of that and support them the best way we can,” she said.


In response to these challenges, Crime Stoppers has developed resources as part of the campaign to assist the community in protecting their properties.


Property owners can access flyers that provide security tips for safeguarding chemicals, fertilisers, firearms, and other valuable items.


Additionally, a farm security checklist has been developed, enabling property owners to self-assess their properties and identify areas in need of improvement.


Supt Brown said proactive prevention was always good practice.


“I think theft is always a space where it could be opportunistic,” she said.


“At the end of the day, if we as owners take proactive action to prevent others who should not have access to our property and make it very difficult for them (to steal something), then mostly anyone who comes onto a property will leave and go somewhere else where they think they could find something easier.


“People need to ensure self-awareness, understanding what is happening around them, all the same strategies you would use when you’re in a shopping centre, for instance, making sure you’re not leaving your handbag or items unattended.


“It’s always going to be about preventing those very easy crimes from occuring.”


If anyone suspects they or someone they know is witnessing theft, call for police assistance on 131 444.


“The sooner we can get there, the sooner we can find the perpetrator or prevent any crime occuring,” Supt Brown said.