>   Both urban and rural properties can be vulnerable to crime.

>   Read our rural security and safety tips to help keep your property and assets safe, and find out what you can do to minimise the risks of property damage or theft.

>   In an emergency, always call 000 (Triple Zero).

For non-emergency police assistance (available 24 hours a day), call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.  

 

Get help now

For all life-threatening emergencies, if you are in danger, someone is injured, or if a crime is currently in progress – call 000 (Triple Zero).

For non-emergency police assistance (available 24 hours a day), call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.  

 

Never confront an armed offender, stay focussed on staying safe.

Call police on 000 (Triple Zero) only if it is possible to do so without the offender noticing.

If you are outside your property or a shed, storage facility etc and see signs of an intruder inside, do not enter.

Go to a nearby safe place (retreat to your vehicle or home if nearby) and call police. Wait in the safe place for police to arrive.

Try to take note of a description of the offender/s, any suspicious vehicles (including number plates), and as many other details you think might be helpful to assist police. 

 

Rural safety tips 

Follow our rural safety tips below to help protect rural properties and businesses such as agribusiness.

If you also live on the property, check out our Home and residential safety page.  

 

Boundary fences and gates  

  • Regularly check the condition of your boundary fences and gates – and repair any damage as soon as possible. If there is deliberate damage or interference, report this to police straight away. 
  • Use strong posts for gates and ensure they are securely mounted.
  • Secure gates with heavy duty locks and put up ‘no trespassing’ signage around the perimeter of the property.  
  • Never leave gates or access points open. Taking a few extra moments to always close/lock up is worth it.

 

 Storage facilities and sheds  

  • Construct storage facilities within sight of the house or main work area where possible.
  • Use heavy-duty roller shutters or metal gates that can be locked shut.
  • Keep storage areas organised so that losses are easily noticed. 
  • Install sensor lights and CCTV cameras where possible.  
  • In shearing sheds, lock handpieces, combs and cutters, and lock up both the equipment and the shed itself when exiting.
  • Check for additional access points and ensure these are closed off and locked, for example – chutes in a shearing shed. 
  • Lock all loading equipment when not in use, to protect against theft of grain, hay and seed. 

 

Machinery, vehicles, tools and equipment  

  • Keep all vehicles locked when not in use (don’t forget to close the windows!). Remove any valuables including high value tools.  
  • Never leave keys in the ignition or hide them around the vehicle or machinery. Keep them in a secure designated place.  
  • Store machinery and equipment in a locked shed whenever possible. If this is not possible consider other options such as securing equipment to strongly anchored objects (e.g. a tree). 
  • Engrave or permanently mark all tools and machinery in at least two places. This will help any stolen items be identified.

 

Fuel tanks 

  • Keep fuel tanks locked and use lockable caps on fuel outlets.
  • If you live on the property, have your fuel storage within sight of the home or consider monitoring with CCTV.
  • Consider installing sensor lights that will light the area around fuel tanks.  
  • Install a flow meter to monitor fuel usage and check your fuel tanks regularly. 

 

Chemicals and fertilisers

  • Always store fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides etc in their original containers in a dedicated locked area. Keep these containers separate from animal health chemicals/supply, food and fuel.
  • Maintain a full inventory of all chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides/herbicides – include product names, batch numbers, expiry dates and description.
  • Seek advice on authorisations and security requirements for all hazardous materials.

 

Livestock  

  • Maintain accurate records of livestock numbers, purchases and sales.  
  • Identify all livestock upon receipt or soon after birth using permanent registered identification. Know the legal requirements around identification.  
  • Regularly check on your livestock and their containment. Report any suspected losses or suspicious activity (such as holes cut in fencing) to police as soon as possible.  
  • Keep feed locked in storage areas with good visibility from your home, and/or install motion sensor lighting and CCTV. 

 

Timber/other valuable products  

  • Keep a well-maintained inventory of timber of other products on your property. 
  • Mark each piece of valuable timber with a permanent paint.  

 

General community safety – be aware and active in your local community 

  • Report damage or suspicious activity in or around public areas, schools, local reserves/forest, national parks and public utilities.  
  • Report any illegal taking of flora or fauna, or any suspicious activity you witness such as trespassing on neighbouring properties.  
  • Be aware of public utilities in your area, such as powerlines substations and communications equipment. Also be aware of protected areas and areas of cultural significance – such as indigenous protected land in your area.    
  • Join and utilise local community groups such as Bush Watch and Neighbourhood Watch.  

Links and resources  

  • Bush Watch – Bush Watch is a crime-prevention initiative that encourages people who live in or frequently use bush or recreational areas to report unusual, suspicious or criminal activity and vandalism to police. You can report information anonymously if you choose to. Find out more from our Bush Watch page – which provides more information and additional safety advice.
  • Neighbourhood Watch– A community-based crime prevention program which aims to improve the quality of life within a neighbourhood by minimising preventable crime and fostering community ties.