In early-May, detectives from western Victoria launched an appeal for information after 1115 sheep were stolen from a Lexton, Vic, farm, the third major livestock theft at the property in two years.

A month earlier, Queensland detectives appealed for information about the alleged broad-daylight theft of 21 sheep from a property in the Lockyer Valley, Qld, to come forward.

According to a study by the university, 90 per cent of farmers admit they are responsible for farm crime prevention, but list cost and knowledge as barriers for improving security on their properties.

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