Community is our best security.
We’re often away from our properties for long stretches, making our homes, sheds and stock tempting targets. Join your local socials—Morangup Residents Group, Toodyay Rural Watch, Swan Valley Neighbourhood Network—and don’t be afraid to speak up if something looks off. A quick post or call can shut down a crook’s plans and keep the whole district safe.
Rural crime remains one of the fastest‑rising property offences in Western Australia. Fuel, livestock and farm‑input theft across the Wheatbelt and near‑metropolitan Swan Valley can cost producers tens of thousands each year. This checklist distils the latest WA Police Rural Crime guidelines, DMIRS dangerous‑goods rules and DPIRD biosecurity regulations.
“Sometimes the best fence is a watchful neighbour.”— Wheatbelt Rural Crime Officer, 2025
Fuel Security
- Locate tanks inside a lit compound within sight of the homestead yet screened from boundary roads.
- Fit tamper‑proof locking caps, anti‑syphon valves and CCTV or motion‑sensor lights.
- Install an electronic fuel‑level sensor that sends SMS/email alerts if volume drops outside set hours.
- Dip or digitally record levels daily and keep a fuel ledger matched to vehicle diaries.
- Comply with Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling) Regulations 2007 for bunding, vents and placarding.
“Fuel theft is up 28 % across the Avon Valley; a $20 lock can save $2000 in diesel.” — WA Police Rural Crime Taskforce
Chemicals & Fertilisers
- Store ag‑chemicals and fertiliser in a dedicated lock‑up with signage and spill‑response gear; separate from fuel and feed.
- Maintain a chemical inventory (product, batch, expiry) and application records as required by the BAM Regulations 2020.
- Quantities of ammonium nitrate ≥ 3 t or Schedule‑7 poisons trigger extra DMIRS security licensing – verify thresholds.
- Use colour‑coded keyed‑alike padlocks and CCTV on chemical sheds.
Livestock Identification & Movement
- All cattle, sheep and goats must carry an NLIS device and be transferred on the database within 48 h of movement.
- Brand & earmark under the Brands Act 1965; record births, deaths & sales in a livestock register.
- Use a NVD/Waybill for every consignment and keep CCTV/trail‑cams on loading ramps and gateways.
- Conduct head counts during watering or feeding; report unexplained losses immediately via 131 444.
“An NLIS tag only costs a few dollars, but recovering missing cattle without one can cost thousands.” — DPIRD Livestock Biosecurity Branch
Grain, Hay & Seed
- Keep silos, silage pits and hay sheds lockable; position augers or grain vacs so they can be locked out of service.
- Weigh outgoing loads and escort the first truck to the receival site to verify route and delivery.
- Avoid leaving loaded trucks unattended in paddocks overnight – park in the lit house‑yard or locked grain‑yard.
Vehicles & Mobile Plant
- Remove keys, fit immobilisers/GPS trackers and lock cabs or tool pods with hardened hasps.
- Where possible, park machinery in a locked shed inside the house‑yard or behind closed gates.
- Micro‑dot or engrave plant and tools in at least two locations; keep photos and serial numbers.
- Chain trailers, bikes and pumps to fixed anchor points with hardened chains.
Downloadable WA Police Fact Sheets
- Rural Crime Overview (PDF 3 MB)
- Fuel Tank Security (PDF 3 MB)
- Livestock Security (PDF 4 MB)
- Property & Machinery Protection (PDF 3 MB)
- Protection from Trespass (PDF 2 MB)
Report Crime Anonymously
You can make the Morangup community safer by reporting criminal activity or suspicious behaviour through Crime Stoppers WA. Use the online form or call 1800 333 000. You do not need to provide your name.
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Information is Provided by
The Western Australia Police Force
Contact
For non-urgent enquiries phone 131 444 or visit https://www.wa.gov.au/…/contact-wa-police