Low Cattle Prices Not Stopping Theft in QLD

Here at Land Watch we’ve been hearing a lot lately about the recent drop in cattle pricing.

But it seems cattle theft is still an issue particularly in Queensland, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down despite prices dropping. In a recent article by Queensland Country Life we read the following:

A significant drop in cattle prices hasn't led to a corresponding drop in cattle being stolen, according to the Queensland Police Service's stock squad.

In fact, cattle theft is as high now as it's ever been although last year, despite high cattle prices, the incidence of stock theft actually dropped.

According to QPS figures published in December 2022, 1078 head of cattle were reported as stolen in 2022 compared to 6003 head in 2021, 4013 head in 2020 and 4243 head in 2019.

QPS Rural and Stock Crime Squad northern area coordinator detective senior sergeant Paul Elliot said there had not been a drop off in the incidence of cattle being stolen.

He said a lot of the properties in the north were quite large and owners cannot make an accurate count of their cattle except during a muster which, in some cases, only occurs once or twice a year.

"So we're not seeing it (cattle theft) drop off, in fact we're seeing it remain the same," he said.

"The most important thing that I can stress for property owners and pastoralists is for them to maintain accurate records of their herd and their count; to get on with their neighbours as their neighbours are their eyes and ears when they are not there; don't advertise the fact that you are going away and, more importantly, if there is any suspicious behaviour be it trespassing or anything out of the norm, to contact Crimestoppers or their local police station or local stock squad," he said.

Much like what Sergeant Paul Elliot said above, it’s important that property owners are keeping an eye on and keeping track of everything important whether that be cattle, sheds, tools, or the front and rear entry.

Installing a Land Watch camera system on assets of your property such as these, plays a major role in ensuring that your valuables are not the next to be targeted.

Contact us today on 1800 308 270 to get more information.