Farm victimisation in Australia

Abstract

This paper summarises the main results from a national farm crime survey which is part of a three year project. The survey sought data on experiences of farm crime victimisation in Australia during the period from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001. Twenty-seven per cent of farms were victims of property crime during the survey period, with offences including livestock theft, theft of farm property, damage to farm property, dumping rubbish, trespassing and unauthorised hunting or fishing. About one in three victims reported their last incident of crime to the police, and the paper discusses the reasons given for reporting or not reporting. The total loss to farmers from crime was estimated to be $63 million, or an average of $2,690 per victimised farm.