General News
13 June, 2024
Diesel bandits strike district
Warracknabeal is the latest town which has fallen victim to the diesel thefts plaguing private-property owners in the district.

Warracknabeal Police Senior Constable Lauren Cole said there had been a clear rise in farm thefts in the Yarriambiack area, including incidents around Beulah, Warracknabeal and Rupanyup.
"It's possible that many of these incidents have gone unnoticed or have not been reported to police," Sen Const Cole said.
There have been four cases of diesel being stolen from properties around Warracknabeal in the past two months, with police saying the offender or offenders were likely driving a ute with a fuel tank on the back.
The first incident occured between April 19 and April 22. - roller parked on the side of Rupanyup Road, Sheep Hills, was drained of approximately 250 litres of diesel.
The second incident occured soon after, between April 20 and April 21, and involved an unknown person or persons entering farm land along Goad's Road, Warracknabeal, to siphon approximately 200 litres of diesel from a tractor.
The third incident occured in town when unknown offender or offenders entered the backyard of a property in Jamouneau Street and removed 30 litres of diesel from a ute some time between May 26 and May 30.
Currently, the last known incident occured between May 31 and June 3, and approximately 220 litres was once again siphoned from a tractor parked on farm land along the Henty Highway south of Beulah.
Sen Const Cole said police were advising farmers to consider locking the fuel caps on their machinery.
"If your machinery doesn't have lockable fuel caps, consider purchasing one from your local dealer," she said.
"Lock machinery away, or lock gates where possible, and park machinery away from view of main roads.

"If anyone notices any utilities that are carrying a fuel tank, particularly late at night or in the early hours of the morning, please pass this information on to Warracknabeal Police."
Sen Const Cole said police were unsure at this point if the rash of thefts were related.
Anyone with information regarding these thefts can speak to officers at Warracknabeal Police Station on 5396 2100
Alternatively, reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or submitted as a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au