General News
22 March, 2026
SWITCH ON SECURITY CAMERAS AT HOME, ON FARMS
RISING fuel prices and the return of winter sport have spurred Loddon police to call for the installation of more business and home security systems.
And they want sporting clubs to be part of the push to deter thieves and protect property.
Sgt Ben Huismann said CCTV cameras were also a key tool for police investigating thefts.
“A burglary earlier this month at Wedderburn College saw offenders arrested within a few hours because of CCTV camera footage,” he said.
“CCTV cameras and light sensors help prevent crime and helps with our investigations.”
Sgt Huismann said Loddon sporting clubs had been among targets of thieves over the past 12 months.
“These clubs can be soft targets for thieves trying to take cash kept in clubrooms and alcohol,” he said.
Sgt Huismann said current fuel supply and price pressures also put districts farms on alert to theft.
“Whether you live in town or out on the farm, we need your help by installing trespass warning signs on all entry points to the property. locking all buildings, sheds and gates with good quality locks. and installing the latest security technology.
“Farmers should keep chemical and fuel storage facilities within sight of the main house and cut overhanging branches and trim shrubs back to make it harder for thieves to hide.”
Wedderburn College principal Danny Forrest on Monday backed Sgt Huismann’s call for greater property security.
“It was because of our CCTV camera network that police were able to act quickly when there was a break-in. All the stolen goods were back at the school within hours,” Mr Forrest said.
“Homes may not need the same security network as a school - we have 58 cameras around the college - but as we have seen, CCTV camera are important in fighting crime.”
Sgt Huismann said: “CCTV camera footage can assist to identify offenders, provides peace of mind to home and business owners, and residents and allows you to monitor your property remotely.”
“Whether on farms, for businesses and for homes, CCTV camera help make it harder for thieves.”