Police in the Oxley Police District will now have further resources to tackle rural crime with a further two Rural Crime Investigators allocated to the district.

This latest announcement now means that Gunnedah and Tamworth will both have two permanent, full time Rural Crime Investigators.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the latest announcement was more good news for the community who have been calling for more resources to boost community safety.

“When meeting with local police, landholders and the community, it was clear that we needed to boost our rural crime workforce in the Oxley Police District,” Mr Anderson said.

“Today’s announcement from the Minister for Police is a great enhancement to community safety and gives police the resources they need to crack down on rural crime. We are building a stronger police force and I thank the Minister for his commitment to the Oxley Police District.

“Our police deserve our thanks for the extraordinary work during operation Western Mongoose and I will continue to do everything I can to continue to advocate on behalf of them.”

The allocation of a further 2 new Rural Crime Investigators is in addition to the six more police announced in July.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the positions deliver on the NSW Government’s $583 million commitment to community safety through the roll-out of 1500 extra police positions over four years.

“Rural crime specialist investigators focus on a range of crime, whether it’s theft of stock, grain or wool, rural arson and fraud, firearm offences, cruelty to animals or trespassing,” Mr Toole said.

“These crimes affect farmers, their families and entire livelihoods, so it’s critical we have the support and resources needed to ensure regional communities continue to thrive,” Mr Toole said.

“These investigators have lived and worked on the land and continue to play a critical role in building positive relationships between police and the farming community, as well as supporting victims of crime.”