May 6, 2025
Queensland Police have launched a dedicated Rural Crime Prevention web page to help landowners safeguard their properties against rural crime.
The “Shut the Gate On Rural Crime” campaign was launched by Darling Downs Acting Superintendent Scott Stahlhut in Toowoomba on Tuesday.
It aims to address the unique challenges of rural crime through targeted educational resources, including downloadable security brochures detailing ways to deter fuel tank as well as livestock and machinery thefts.
It also includes a property marking checklist (2.8Mb PDF), crime prevention handbook (15.3MB PDF) and a fact sheet for reporting suspicious activity (1.8Mb PDF).
Acting Superintendent Stahlhut acknowledged the affect of criminal activity in rural areas and encouraged residents to adopt proactive measures to secure their properties.
“There are effective steps our rural communities can take to ensure their property is secure, which can significantly reduce the risk of theft,” he said.
“Reporting crime and suspicious activity not only assists in ongoing investigations, it helps police identify trends.”
“This initiative is designed to empower landowners with practical tools and knowledge to safeguard their properties, while also fostering strong connections between rural communities and local police.”
Detective Inspector Jim Lacey, Operations Manager of Rural and Stock Crime Squad, emphasised that collaboration is key to maintaining safer rural areas.
“When landholders, communities and police work together, we create stronger networks that help prevent crime and strengthen our ability to protect rural communities,” Detective Inspector Lacey said.
“Through this initiative, we’re committed to ensuring that landholders feel informed, supported, and confident in safeguarding their properties.”
