Police highlight effort to deter rural crime
The Queensland Police force has released the outcome of that state’s recent Operation Stock Check effort, led by the Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCS).
Held on October 23-24, MOCS Rural investigators, assisted by the Road Policing Unit and local police, conducted a high-visibility static road operation on the Warrego Highway at Warra, aimed at checking vehicles carrying livestock.
Operation Stock Check is part of a national, proactive, policing focus to prevent and disrupt the movement of stolen stock.
The operation appeared similar to a successful Western Australian effort in June.
Read about the recent WA rural crime operation, here
In addition to inspecting livestock vehicles and paperwork and monitoring for biosecurity compliance, the operation also focused on dangerous driving behaviour including drink and drug driving.
Results included:
- 9 people arrested on nine charges including four drug drivers
- 13 traffic infringement notices issued including for speeding
- 1 biosecurity penalty infringement notice issued for failing to complete a stock movement record
- 504 roadside breath tests conducted.
MOCS Rural detective inspector Troy Pukallus said Operation Stock Check was part of MOCS Rural’s ongoing strategies to disrupt stock and rural crime.
“Reported livestock theft in Queensland is the highest it has been in recent times, which is why we are encouraging rural communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police,” Pukallus said.