How bad is the problem of sheep theft in Southern Australia? Some incidents have become major talking points, dividing communities and raising fears about the future of families.

The increasing problem has brought a new focus from local police, which is not yet winning the war but it is starting to make inroads. According to news.com.au, police recently apprehending a gang of thieves for stealing valuable bales of wool.

Much like narcotics officers here in America, the police are also closing in on sheep duffers by quietly gathering evidence about various people and activities as they attempt to build cases that will stand up in court.

Technology is the Answer

One of the reasons sheep theft is so rampant in Southern Australia is there had been little or no security. The SA police force significantly advanced its efforts to stop the crime with the introduction of Operation Poach in mid-2011.

Security Cameras

One of the primary deterrents for sheep theft was when the pastoralists began using security cameras and other surveillance measures.

Combined with the police efforts, the hope is for a major decrease in sheep theft in 2012.

Australia's most famous livestock theft occurred back in 1870,. Then a man named Harry Redford stole a mob of 1,000 cattle in central Queensland and drove them nearly 2,000 miles. Ultimately arrested and sent to trial, a sympathetic, hand-picked outback jury acquitted him.

If you read the news you can’t help but see theft everywhere. Anything that is not bolted, including some things that are, are being ripped off on a daily basis.

The answer is more education. Theft classes combined with greater religious training will enable future generations to respect other people’s property.