SAPS Newcastle would like to make community / commercial farmers aware that incidents of stock theft are on the rise. With this in mind, police have issued information concerning this problematic crime and precautions that can be taken to protect livestock.

Common methods used by stock thieves

1. Organised crime syndicates

Sophisticated criminal groups operate across borders, often colluding with farm workers or auctioneers. They steal livestock and ‘launder’ them back into the system through auctions or butcheries after rebranding them.

2. Slaughtering for the pot

Small-scale or petty theft typically involves a few animals stolen for personal consumption. This can still be devastating to small-scale and subsistence farmers.

3. Exploiting poor security

Criminals take advantage of poor fencing, unlocked gates and inadequate security measures to access properties.

4. Using fraudulent documents

When moving animals, thieves may forge certificates and other documents of identification required under the Stock Theft Act to avoid detection.

Prevention strategies

Farm-level protection

• Implement animal identification: Brand all livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act 6 of 2002)
• Monitor and count stock regularly: Count all animals at least once a week and avoid predictable routines that thieves could observe
• Vetting farm employees: Screen all employees and if hiring new staff, contact their previous employers
• Consider security technology: Install CCTV cameras, alarms or motion sensors in sensitive areas; use GPS tracking on high-value animals or herds

Community-based co-operation

• Build a neighbourhood watch: Establish or join a local group where members can share information, patrol their areas, and report suspicious activities
• Communicate effectively: Create communication channels, such as WhatsApp groups, to quickly report suspicious people, vehicles or unfamiliar animals in grazing areas
• Report illegal dealers: Inform authorities immediately if you notice animal speculators or dealers from outside the community acting suspiciously
• Control visitor access: Implement a visitor control system on your property and do not allow idle or unemployed people to loiter

What to do if you suspect or experience stock theft

If you suspect or experience stock theft, report the crime.

Contact your nearest police station immediately by calling 1011 or Crime Stop on 0860010111

Alternatively, contact the SAPS Stock Theft Unit and Endangered Species Unit (STESU).

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel