The Moree Branch of the CWA put forward the motion to the delegation, which was passed almost unanimously. 

Many of the delegates spoke about their personal experiences in dealing with rural crime on the last day of the State Conference. 

“The penalties have to be increased for these mongrels who break into our homes,” delegate Gwen Campbell said. 

“It’s happening right across the Western division.” 

“I do really think that we need to enhance the ability of the police to take things further.” 

Rural crimes were of particular focus during the Conference, with the opening day’s keynote speaker Canobolas Local Area Command, Superintendent Shane Cribb telling delegates of conservative dollar estimates of rural crimes impact on communities.

“Conservative market prices, suggests this has cost rural industries nearly $13 million,” Supt Cribb said. 

“In the same period nearly 517,600 litres of diesel was stolen equating to $801,000. 

“Bringing that back to stats for today, for break and enter and steal in January this year there were 24 and 42 in February.”

Supt Cribb also gave the figures on livestock theft, telling the conference that between January 2010 and December 2014 close to 85,000 sheep were reported stolen and over 6500 head of cattle.

“If 100 head of cattle were stolen that is just one incident of theft,” Supt Cribb said.

“Policing works best as a collaborative effort between the people who live there and the police who serve there. 

“I don’t have the resources to put police on every street or in every town, I need people to report the crimes, no matter how serious. 

“If you believe it is a crime you need to report it. 

“If I can encourage you to do one thing, encourage your neighbour to report crime,” he said. 

The CWA State Conference wrapped up yesterday after four days of debates, discussions and guest speakers.