“Investing in a good locking mechanism for the fuel tank will also reduce the risk of fuel being taken.”
He said farmers should take precautions, where possible, with keeping livestock safe and secure from thieves.
Theft from rural properties was one thing, he said. Poaching was another.
“The level of poaching is a concern, not only in terms of the unlawful hunting aspect, but most people who poach are also unlicensed firearms users.
“This type of offending puts themselves and others at risk of firearms injuries as they have not had the same safety training that licence holders go through,” he said.
“It is also unlikely that they engage in safety courses offered by hunting clubs.”
The operations of gangs and the trafficking in methamphetamine negatively impact all the community and rural areas were no different, he said.
“Offending by gang members in rural communities can range from theft, unlawful hunting, serious assaults and illegal drug distribution.
“Our (police) focus on gangs remains strong in both the enforcement and prevention space, and part of that focus is working closely with communities.
“We look to get in front of investigations, and by doing so reassure the community that the violence and harm caused stops.”
Insp Paki believes the operations mounted against gang activity in the region this year have been successful.
“In addition to working hard to reduce the level of gang violence and meth distribution, we’re working closely with our providers in the addiction and family harm areas.
“We’re working hard to ensure families impacted by those problems are supported, and of course that includes rural families.”
Insp Paki said rural communities were also concerned about the impact of weather systems.
How police prepare and how we respond is something we constantly review.
“Cyclone Gabrielle was one of many weather events that hit the region and we know that it won’t be the last.”
For rural communities the impact was exacerbated by geography and isolation, he said.
“We work internally to ensure our plans for meeting such emergency events are well thought out and connected properly to the community and to Civil Defence.
“Police have a real close partnership with Civil Defence and Emergency Management, and we plan to ensure that we are equipped with the right skills and knowledge we need in civil emergencies.
“Making sure we have the right equipment in the right places is also key.”
Exercises were conducted regularly to test that preparedness, he said.
“We are comfortable with where police are at when comes to those preparations.”
Coming back to rural crime, Inspector Paki said it was important for rural folk to ensure their property, including fuel tanks, were secure and locked to restrict theft and tampering.
“There are a range of measures you can take to ensure your property is safe and less appealing to burglars.”
• Secure your home, garage, farm buildings, fuel tanks and vehicles at night and when unattended.
• Record the serial numbers or engrave tools, electronic and valuable items with your licence number.
• Instal an alarm system and get sensor lights fitted as a deterrent.
• Always lock your property and auxiliary buildings when you leave, even if it’s only for a short time.
• Always lock your vehicles when you leave them and take your keys with you.
• Keep in contact with your neighbours and let one another know if you see anything unusual.
“We take burglary and theft incidents seriously. If you see anything suspicious in your rural neighbourhoods contact police immediately.
“Note the details of suspicious vehicles and people.
“Call us on 105 or the Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”
