Thieves are taking advantage of the isolation of rural properties to steal tens of thousands of dollars of farm equipment, and they are even using equipment they find while committing the crime to assist them.
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In an increasing number of rural thefts, motorbikes, chainsaws, tools and guns are being taken in planned robberies.
Locks aren't proving to be an deterrents either, with thieves able to take the time to force their way into houses and sheds and clean them out.
Chifley rural crime manager Senior Constable Bob Newman said offenders were using farmers' trailers to take the stolen gear away, and in some cases, using tools they find to cut open gun safes.
There have also been incidents where the whole safe has been removed.
"These thefts have been going on forever, mainly because farms are soft targets. They come and go but there seems to be quite a few happening lately," he said.
"As well as things like bikes, quad bikes and tools, they are also taking guns, and sometimes taking the whole safe. But because a lot of gun safes are in sheds with tools, they are able to cut them open there."
Local farmer David McKay has been a victim of theft in the past and was organising a seminar with the NSW Farmers Association on the issue, but the recent attacks have placed further importance on security and awareness.
Mr McKay and Senior Constable Newman will be giving advice on things residents can do to protect themselves, while local security technician Jason Howarth will be able to give a run-down of the state-of-the-art equipment that can deter and catch criminals.
"A lot of these sheds and houses are locked but they are forcing their way in,"?Mr McKay said. "All of the properties have been unattended when it has happened, so they have been staked out pretty well."
Senior Constable Newman said a lot of farmers tend to leave their property unlocked for easy access, but he warned against it.
"Lock your house, lock your sheds, lock your gates, and don't leave keys in vehicles. Don't make it easy for criminals."
Chairman of the Bathurst branch of the NSW Farmers Association Ian Hendry urged all landholders to attend the seminar.
"One of the ways to help combat it is by talking with you neighbours, offering to keep an eye on their place for them and being aware of what's going on," he said. "Also letting them know when you are going away so they can be on the lookout for anything strange.
"The police are doing what they can to catch these criminals but it's also up to residents to do what they can to prevent it." Anyone who has information on any rural thefts can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The NSW Farmers seminar will be held on Monday, August 12 from 7pm.