NSW Rural Crime Investigation Unit (Southern NSW) Detective Superintendent Peter O’Brien said the number of firearms stolen from rural properties was a high priority for police.

Det-Supt O’Brien said gun security and the National Firearms Amnesty would be a focus of information available for the public at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

Firearms include guns, airguns, air rifles, blank firearms, firearm parts, pistols, self-loading rimfire and centre-fire rifles, pump action shotguns and powerheads.

 “Our city and country criminals are targeting premises to steal firearms – for every 100 which are stolen we are only getting two or three back so where are they all?,’’ Det-Supt O’Brien said.

“Firearms, fuel and stock theft are the top three concerns, along with the theft of ag bikes, pumps, chainsaws and tools. “Rural families are also soft targets for fraud gangs over the phone and internet.

“We have had people stealing pumps, fencing and ag pipes, and on-selling it but unfortunately many of the times it is fellow farmers stealing from absentee property owners.

“Rural crime is a lot different to policing city suburbs – we cannot do it on our own and need the farmers to change their ways to assist us.’’ Rural Crime Investigators will be at the Henty field days with practical information on how farmers can better secure their properties, machinery and stock. Det-Supt O’Brien said tips and advice would include identification marks on tools and equipment for traceability.