The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team has been recognised with an international award for their results with local crime prevention. 

The team was awarded one of only three awards, the 2021 International Society for the Study of Rural Crime (ISSRC) Policy, Practice and Engagement Award. 

The Rural Crime Prevention Team was created in 2017 to enhance the focus on rural crime by creating additional resources. 

The ISSRC is made up of stakeholders around the world who target and research the reduction of reducing crime in all forms in rural areas. 

Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree said that the teams’ approach to tackling rural crime was both dedicated and innovative. 

Since the team’s formation, they have balanced investigations with workshops across regional NSW for farmers and primary producers to inform on detecting and preventing crime. 

The University of England estimates that stock theft alone in NSW costs farmers about $60 million each year. Their data from the NSW Farm Crime Survey, however, indicates the new policing initiatives are having a positive impact on farm crime.

“Rural crime remains under-reported, and this award will build confidence and gain trust in rural communities,” Assistant Commissioner Greentree said. 

“The capabilities of the team will continue to grow through collaborative efforts involving police districts and communities,” he said.

State Rural Crime Coordinator Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside said the team is humbled by the award. 

“There is much more to do, and this award is a culmination and acknowledgement of the work our team does, not only in preventing, disrupting and responding to rural crime, but also working with our external partners and researchers to continually improve what we do,” Detective Chief Inspector Whiteside said. 

According to the ISSRC, the NSW Rural Crime Prevention Team were worthy recipients based on their involvement with stakeholders and the creation of a nationally accredited course. 

Other award recipients were a rural crime research student from the University of South Africa, and rural-focused scholar based in Ohio.