Farming Insurance

New helpline assists farmers to combat stock theft

Theft of livestock is the largest property-related crime in the Free State. It is because of this that the Red Meat Producers Organization (RPO) and Free State Agriculture (FSA), in collaboration with the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) in the Free State, started a stock theft helpline.

According to Dr Jane Buys, Safety and Risk Analyst at FSA, the helpline will assist farmers to make statements and also gather important information to combat this crime. “The helpline will help us determine the extent of livestock theft, as well as, in conjunction with rural communities, find ways to combat it effectively,” Buys, who is leading the project, said. The helpline will start on 1 February 2019.

Origin of initiative

The RPO and FSA decided last year to determine the impact and extent of stock theft through greater co-operation. This is done by working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), within the Rural Safety Strategy (RSS), to play a larger support role in combating stock theft and acting proactively.

The RPO largely has a responsibility to combat stock theft, along with FSA and the SAPS, through stock theft prevention forums, as well as stock theft information centres. FSA must look after its members’ interests, where stock theft is the biggest crime threatening the sector. Because of this reason the SAPS and National Prosecuting Authority were approached to launch the helpline.

How does it work?

The helpline will assist farmers completing A1 statements telephonically. This will be done in Afrikaans and English and is then sent to them electronically, helping them to report the case to the police station.

According to Buys, the statement is sent back to the complainant by email to confirm the facts, after which the farmer can print it out. “The statement is signed in the presence of the SAPS when they arrive on the scene.”

The helpline will be staffed by a data analyst and processor. The aim is to extend the centre to a 24-hour centre during the following year, which can especially assist farmers over weekends.

Identifying trends

The helpline also attempts to provide advice on protecting the crime scene until the SAPS arrive and also see how the investigation is conducted and monitored.

“In addition, it will enable us to determine certain trends and patterns in livestock theft to put in place the necessary crime prevention operations, as well as preventative measures,” Buys said.

  • The helpline number that can be called is: 086 199 9300.
  • If the number is occupied, a farmer can send a WhatsApp message with his contact details (name, surname, farm name, number and photo of branding certificate) to 079 524 5040.
  • Otherwise, a voicemail or email with contact details can be left. The email address is vee@vslandbou.co.za

Preventing Stock Theft

·  Livestock owners should keep all fences and gates in proper condition to protect their livestock. The employment of a specially-trained employee can be considered for daily fence patrolling. This person can see to it that holes in and under fences are repaired at once. Inspect these reparations yourself.

·  Loading ramps in paddocks or on farms away from direct supervision should be kept locked or obstructed at all times.

·  If you consider buying an additional farm, remember: “absentee landlords gather no crops”. Rather try and buy close to your residential farm.

·  Prevent stolen animals from being hidden on your property. Stock posts serve as ideal overnight stopovers to hide stolen livestock. Unknown livestock found at such posts should immediately be reported to the SAPS.

·  Livestock at stock posts should be counted by the livestock owner him/herself, at least once a week.

·  If employees at stock posts possess their own animals, a good preventative measure against stock theft (if involvement of employees is suspected) is to allow the animals to mix and graze together.

·  Many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals. If an animal is marked with a registered brandmark or tattoo, disputes will be avoided. Employees should mark their livestock properly, according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them.

·  Be particularly watchful during full moon, weekends and at the end or beginning of a month or during periods that you know from your own experience, when stock thefts (slaughtering for the pot) occur.

·  Report unknown animals among your animals immediately to the SAPS and your neighbours.

·  Livestock owners should at all times report al livestock theft cases on their property immediately. The longer the delay, the less the possibility of achieving success in an investigation.

·  The regular herding and counting of animals are of obvious importance. Also check up upon your employees’ livestock. If it is not possible to count your livestock everyday, try counting your animals at least twice a week on irregular days. Avoid any routine, especially at stock posts, as your employees may be informers to stock thieves. Shortages and signs indicating possible thefts should immediately be reported. The livestock owner must count the animals him/herself and cannot leave it to his/her employees to do the counting or to lodge any complaints.

·  When considering applicants for employment, enquiries should be made at previous employers to establish the real reason why an employee had left his previous job. Enquiries should also be lodged at the SAPS to determine whether the applicant has a criminal record. Establish what kind of criminal record the applicant has.

·  Employees should be trained to pay attention to irregularities. Ask your employees to be careful about what they say in the presence of strangers regarding activities on the farm. Careless talk can lead to livestock losses.

·  Report immediately to your stock theft unit when animal speculators and hide bone buyers or livestock dealers from neighbouring countries are active in your area. Keep proper record of all prospective livestock buyers as soon as you enter negotiations.

·  The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasised enough. Commit to paper as much details as possible and keep the register up to date yourself.

·  Do not allow loitering on the farm or any idle and unemployed people to settle on your property. Strangers entering the farm or visiting labourers should first obtain your permission – implement a visitors control system, wherein all particulars of visitors to the farm are noted, whom they’re visiting and when they’re leaving.

·  It often happens that border livestock owners become involved with illegal trade with citizens of neighbouring countries in some or other way, such as the renting of grazing pastures. There are legal steps that must be taken in this regard, but if not taken, such actions can create the ideal climate for other crimes and stock theft.

·  It often happens that stock theft cases have to be withdrawn due to a lack of interest or reluctance shown by some complainants to attend court proceedings. Show interest and attend all court cases.

·  Cooperate with the local SAPS and stock theft unit and do not work against them. Support them in their efforts to help you.

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