VICTORIAN police have charged a man in connection with alleged theft of sheep worth $80,000 over the past three months.

Detectives from the Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit, with the assistance of detectives from the Hume Crime Investigation Unit, executed a warrant at an address in Greenvale on Thursday February 1, as as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of alleged stock thefts in the west of Victoria.

The warrant was executed in relation to the alleged theft of $80,000 worth of sheep, believed to have occurred over the past three months.

A 36-year-old Greenvale man was interviewed and has been charged with six counts of theft. He has been bailed to appear at the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court on April 16.

Acting superintendent Damien Christensen said Victoria Police is focused on reducing livestock and farm theft affecting Victoria’s country regions.

“We know the farming community is concerned about incidents of stock theft and we want to reassure everyone that police take this issue very seriously.

“We want to remind the farming community that police are here to help,” he said.

“It’s important that any incident is always reported to police at the earliest opportunity so that we can investigate fully.

“If you see any suspicious behaviour, particularly stock crates or trailers which appear out of place, then we encourage you to report this to police or to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

“We have a dedicated Agricultural Liaison Officer program (AGLO) which is a collection of more than 60 members across the state who have expert skills in investigating livestock theft and farm crime,” acting superintendent Christensen said.

AGLOs oversee farm crime and livestock theft investigations where required, provide advice guidance and assistance to members, establish and maintain relationships with farming partners, liaise with the farming community, encourage reporting of livestock theft, maintain a contemporary knowledge of local trends and issues and engage with partners to identify and mitigate risks in farming practice.

Source: Victoria Police.