Trespassers and shooters on farm property

Trespassers and unauthorised shooters can cause harm to you, your livestock and property.

Trespass prevention information

Explore crime prevention tips to keep your farm safe from trespassers and shooters on farm property, and ensure only responsible shooters have access.

Secure the property boundary

To protect your property from trespassers:

• install trespass warning signs on entry points to the property
• lock all buildings, sheds and gates with good quality locks
• install the latest security technology
• check fences and repair any damage
• install CCTV cameras throughout the property and around the perimeter
  • ensure cameras cover all entry and exit points
  • use solar cameras where wired cameras cannot be used
• install 'no hunting/shooting' signs at the front and around the perimeter of the property.

Check your property

Be aware of any changes on your property.

• Check your property for unauthorised access.
• Photograph any evidence of unauthorised access. For example, damaged fences, unfamiliar tyre marks and rubbish.

Choose responsible shooters

Do your research before selecting shooters for your property.

• Ask local farmers for reference checks.
• Use shooters from reputable shooting clubs.
• Ensure all authorised shooters are licensed and hold the relevant game authority.
• Complete an 'authority to shoot' document for all authorised shooters.
• Obtain a permit or authority from the relevant government body when controlling wildlife.
• Inform your neighbours when authorised shooters will be active on your property.

Other things you can do

Get to know the people in your neighbourood who can support you.

• Get to know your local police.
• Talk to a Farm Crime Liaison Officer.
• If you are going away, register your absence from residence through Services Victoria.
• Make it easy for police to find your property by making your house number easily visible from the street.
• Get to know your neighbours. They may recognise unusual activity when you're out.
• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch.

What to do if there are trespassers on your property

If you notice trespassers on your property:

• do not confront them, your safety is more important
• if safe to do so, take pictures and provide them to police.

Report trespassers on your property

No issue is too small to report. If you see something suspicious, report it to police.

For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report online at Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting.

Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Attend your local police station to speak to an officer in person.

Additional resources

Agriculture Victoria provides information on a range of farming issues.

The Game Management Authority regulates game hunting in Victoria.