St George Criminal Investigation Brand and Rural and Stock Crime Squad detectives urge landowners and the community to come forth with any suspicious activity or vehicles in the Thallon, Mungindi, Dirranbandi and St George area.
This follows after an increase of deliberately lit grass fires, stealing and trespass offences in these areas.
Suspicious grass fires
Between January and May, investigations reveal nine reported spot fires on Noondoo Mungindi Road, Dingadee Road, Carnarvon Highway and Wyenbah Road.
Police are currently seeking information or relevant dash-cam footage regarding a white Hilux that was observed in the area at the time. Police believe the occupants may be able to assist with their inquiries.
With the result of the fires, no one has been reported to be injured. The fires present significant risk to properties in the areas.
Prosecution of trespassers
An increase of reports in regards to trespassers on rural properties has been made.
People have been found driving on remote areas in large pastoral properties, no permission or reasonable excuse has been made when challenged by owners or managers.
Police remind people that significant fines will be presented for trespassing to hunt along with unlawful taking of wildlife, including feral pigs.
People are known to commit opportunistic theft when coming across machinery such as pumps, generators and quad bikes, using hunting as an excuse if challenged by a farmer.
The reckless hunters and thieves provide a bad name for legitimate hunters with appropriate approvals. As a result of this, farmers and producers simply close off their properties to protect themselves and their interests.
Trespassers on rural properties will be prosecuted by police to protect property owners, industry and landholders.
The cops encourage people to use the Policelink ‘stock and rural crime’ smartphone app to send emails and photographs of offenders and vehicles if safe to do so.
Otherwise, the police encourage anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact their local station.
Wilful Damage offences
St George Police ask members of the public to come forth with information regarding wilful damage of Balonne Shire Council Flood Watch cameras on Wyenbah Road and Oakey Creek crossing that took place from 13 to 20 April.
The cameras, being a tool for checking creek levels and flood watch in the Balonne Shire Region, puts the community at risk.
Police ask the public with any information or dash-cam footage to this matter to contact Policelink, their local station or Crimestoppers via phone: 1800 333 000.
