RURAL property owners are being duped by fraudsters who are entering properties after claiming to be beef and wild game wholesalers.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said the Major and Organised Crime Squad had received complaints about people entering properties to shoot kangaroos on the agreement money would be paid to the owner.
“The offenders offer high price returns but once the meat is sold, the (property owners) are simply not paid,” the spokesperson said.
“Police urge producers to exercise caution when entering into arrangements with new and unknown buyers and wholesalers.”
The spokesperson said in some cases, shooters were not even asking owners before entering properties to hunt wild pigs.
When confronted if found, they often had no reasonable excuse to be there.
“… shooting on a property without permission poses a very serious threat to the community,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said trespassers gave legitimate hunters with approvals “a bad name”, which discouraged farmers from opening up their properties to them.
Sometimes, trespassers also stole farming equipment, quad bikes and other machinery.
“We often find that people committing opportunistic theft … and will use the excuse they are only hunting if challenged by the farmer,” the spokesperson said.
“We will prosecute trespassers on rural properties to protect property owners and industry as they have enough on their hands with the current drought conditions.
“People are reminded trespassing for the purposes of hunting and the unlawful taking of wildlife, including feral pigs, attract significant fines.”
To report information, contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
