Police urge farmers to be vigilant ahead of harvest

Police have received reports of diesel and fuel being stolen from farming equipment and fuel storage tanks in the Cummins, Coulta and Tumby Bay areas as the harvest season approaches.

These offences can cause significant disruption to farming operations and result in substantial financial losses for primary producers during one of the busiest times of the year.

While responsibility for these crimes lies solely with offenders, police are encouraging farmers and rural property owners to consider additional security measures where practical, including:

• Fitting lockable or anti-theft fuel caps to machinery and fuel tanks.
• Securing fuel dispensing systems, pumps and storage areas when not in use.
• Installing CCTV, trail cameras, security lighting or fencing around fuel storage areas.
• Monitoring fuel levels and maintaining records of fuel use and deliveries.
• Parking fuel trailers and machinery in secure, visible locations where possible.
• Reporting suspicious vehicles, people, drone activity or other suspicious behaviour in rural areas.

Members of the public are reminded that suspicious behaviour should be reported to police via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. If a crime is occurring at the time, call Triple Zero (000).

Police also encourage rural communities to continue looking out for one another and sharing information about suspicious activity with neighbours and local police.

Anyone with information relating to fuel thefts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

South Australia Police remains committed to working with local communities to deter rural crime and support a safe and productive harvest season. Through vigilance, awareness and timely reporting of suspicious activity, we can all help Protect What Matters.