Three men have been charged after allegedly trespassing and attempting to illegally hunt in the state's Central North yesterday.
Officers from Central North Police District commenced an investigation following reports three men were seen trespassing and chasing goats on a property in Girilambone, about 70km north of Nyngan.
About 5.30pm (Thursday 20 February 2020), the men fled the scene when they were noticed acting suspiciously, allegedly driving their Toyota Hilux utility through multiple fences to get away.
Following inquiries, the trio were arrested in Coolabah and taken to Nyngan Police Station.
Police searched the Hilux, locating hunting knives and cattle prods that will undergo forensic examination.
The three men – aged 22, 29 and 48 – were issued Court Attendance Notices for enter private land to hunt without owner consent and enter enclosed lands without consent. They will appear in court next month.
NSW Police Force State Rural Crime Coordinator, Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside, said this arrest is the result of a dedicated team of officers in the Central North Police District taking rural crime seriously and responding in a timely manner.
"Local police are very committed to not only preventing but responding to and disrupting rural crime offenders," Det Insp Whiteside said.
"I encourage all landholders and farmers throughout the state to report all rural crime immediately, to ensure that local uniform officers and the Rural Crime Prevention Team increase the chances of tackling rural crime."
Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Andrew Hurst, said that there is no information too small or great to report to police.
"Arrests like this would not be possible without the strong relationship that local officers have with their rural community," Supt Hurst said.
Inquiries continue.
