The arrest of five stock thieves last month has prompted Yeoval police Senior Constable Jason Simeone to call for more information from the public about crimes committed in the area.

The arrest was made on the basis of information anonymously provided by a community member.

“I think stock theft goes unreported for a number of reasons,” Mr Simeone said.

“If people have an idea of who may have taken them, they can be worried about retribution.

“Others don’t bother because they think police won’t do anything about it.

“People need to realise any information they give me can be kept anonymous or they can even call Crimestoppers.

“They just need to tell me so an investigation can start.”

Mr Simeone said stock theft had become an increasing issue, and while he was pleased crimes were being reported to him, he is keen to get on top of the problem before it worsens.

About 350 sheep have been stolen in the Yeoval area since January as well as a small number of cattle and goats.

“Many farmers are now spending thousands of dollars on locking their properties up, but thieves are getting so brazen they’re just cutting through fences,” Mr Simeone said.

“These farmers are doing it tough with the drought and they don’t need anything to make their job harder.”

Wellington Senior Sergeant Andrew Hurst said Mr Simeone had aggressively targeted crime in Yeoval in the past six months including drug supply and property theft and was now focused on trespassing and stock rustling.

“Illegal hunters and shooters will not be tolerated and any community members are encouraged to report any offences to Senior Constable Simeone at Yeoval or to Wellington police.

“Police acknowledge that historically a large proportion of stock theft goes unreported and we assure the local community that information will be followed up,” Mr Hurst said.