Tasmania Police is committed to dealing with instances of livestock theft in the state.

There are three (not two as has been reported) Livestock Stealing Detectives in
Tasmania, based in Burnie CIB, Launceston CIB and Bridgewater CIB.

These officers are actively involved in investigating reports of stock theft, and also
provide an oversight and advisory role to local uniform police who deal with these
matters.

The role of Livestock Stealing Detectives includes attending stock sales in an effort to
locate stolen stock, liaising with farmers and conducting checks of wool buyers, stock
agents and stock carriers.

The number of reported thefts involving stock is relatively low. Between 1 January
2006 and 31 December 2010 there were 120 reports of stock stealing in Tasmania,
equating to 24 each year. In 2010 there were 26 reports of stock stealing.

The number of reported incidents of stock stealing this year remains steady. There
has been an increase in the number of animals reported stolen, and this increase is
confined to pockets of the north and east of the state.

Tasmania Police is aware of the trend and we are confident the level of resourcing
allocated to these incidents is appropriate.

Scott Tilyard
Acting Deputy Commissioner

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2867