2019! — The year of new records because of stock theft losses says the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum. Agriculture last year lost R929 257 500 as a result of this form of organised crime, according to Forum figures.

The organisation already mentioned in 2016 that well-organised syndicates were responsible for 87% of all stock committed in that year. The instances where people commit stock theft simply because the opportunity crops up are in the minority. But how then does a farmer protect himself and his animals against these villains?

According to the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum there are certain steps which a farmer can follow to safeguard his flock:

• Regularly inspect all fences and keep them in good repair;

• Appoint a highly trained employee to inspect all fences on a daily basis and to ensure that openings in and under fences are repaired immediately. Inspect this repair work personally;

• Establish loading platforms in camps or at places where there is no direct access, which are permanently locked, or ensure that they cannot be observed;

• Should you consider buying another farm, it would be better if this is located near the homestead farm. Keep in mind – it is the eye of the owner that fattens the horse!;

• Ensure that stolen livestock cannot be hidden on your farm. A livestock outpost is an ideal overnight stand where stolen animals can be hidden. Report immediately to the SAPS should unknown animals be identified at an outpost;

• Personally count the livestock at your outposts at least once a week;

• Should employees who live at outposts also own livestock, it is good practice to ensure that all animals graze together in one herd. This is an excellent prevention measure, especially if the farmer suspects that herders at outposts may also be involved in instances of stock theft;

• Be specifically on the lookout, especially during full moon, over weekends and at the end and the beginning of the month, or during times when you know from experience that stock theft, especially slaughtering for the pot, is prevalent;

• Report the presence of unknown animals between your own immediately to the SAPS and your neighbours;

• Repot all instances of stock theft on your property immediately. The longer the delay, the less is the chance of successful prosecution;

• It is important to gather all animals together regularly for counting. If it is not possible, try to count at least twice per week and then on irregular days. Avoid a fixed routine because herders may be informants for stock thieves. Fewer animals or signs which may indicate stock theft must be reported immediately. Count your animals personally. Don’t leave the counting or reporting of complaints to workers;

• When new people apply for work, obtain the true reason from their previous employers for their abandoning of service. Also enquire from the SAPS whether the applicant has a crime record and, if so, particulars of the record;

• Train your workers to be mindful of any anomaly. Ask your employees to be careful of wat they say in the presence of outsiders about activities on the farm as stock thieves can obtain information in this manner;

• Inform the stock theft unit when speculators and buyers of hides, skins and bones or stock buyers from foreign countries are active in your area. Keep a careful records of all intending livestock dealers as soon as they start negotiations;

• A carefully kept up to date livestock register is an absolute requirement. Record as much as possible information and keep personally keep the register valid;

• Don’t condone loafers on the farm, or allow unemployed people to live on the farm. Strangers on the farm, or visitors to employees, should obtain consent beforehand from the owner. Institute a control system for visitors and record all information about them – permanent home address, ID number, who they will visit, and for how long.

• If your farm lies on the border, don’t become involved in illegal trade with citizens of bordering countries, for instance by letting your grazing paddocks. Should you not follow the correct procedure, ideal conditions could be created for stock theft and other crime;

• Stock theft cases are many times struck from the court register because of lack of interest, while some complainants are not keen to attend court hearings. Attend all court cases; and

• Cooperate with the local SAPS and stock theft unit and do oppose them. Support them in their efforts to HELP YOU!

The above guidelines are examples of what the farmer himself can do to combat stock theft. In the next issue the spotlight will fall on support organisations such as forums and information centres. The complete manual is available on the internet at www.rpo.co.za .

Source: National Stock Theft Prevention Forum