VICTORIA Police has denied claims that its Farm Crime Unit has seen a reduction of resources as farmers across the state battle with an increase in fuel theft.
A statement from the Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland linked reports of a surge in fuel theft to more than 1500 Victoria Police vacancies and limited farm officers.
“This is what happens when you don’t have enough police on the ground,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We now have just two farm crime officers for the entire state, and at the same time, farmers across our region are waking up to find their fuel tanks drained overnight.”
However, a spokesperson from Victoria Police told the Review there has been no changes to the Victoria Police Farm Crime Coordination Unit.
“The unit remains well supported by more than 70 Farm Crime Liaison Officers who are based at police stations and investigative units across the state,” the spokesperson said.
Rising petrol and diesel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East have seen fuel theft from service stations increase by “up to 30 per cent”, according to Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association chief executive officer Rowan Lee, and the thefts have spread to farms.
“Victoria Police intelligence shows while there have been slight increases in fuel thefts at farms across the state, instances have been isolated and offending remains low,” the Victorian Police spokesperson said.
“The Farm Crime Coordination Unit is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular contact with the farming industry.”
The Farm Crime Unit was established in 2019, targeting farm crime including livestock and equipment theft.
In a separate statement, a Victorian Government spokesperson said: “Stealing petrol during (cost) of living pressures isn’t just a crime, it’s un-Australian and a dog act.”
“Anyone with information about this should report it to authorities so action can be taken.”
Victoria Police did not respond to questions about what is being done to address police vacancies in regional communities.