13 April 2026
Cleeland urges action as fuel theft surges
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, says Victoria’s growing police vacancy crisis is leaving regional communities exposed, as reports of fuel theft surge across the region.
Ms Cleeland said with more than 1500 Victoria Police vacancies and limited farm crime officers remaining, the Allan Labor Government had left farmers increasingly vulnerable to organised theft.
“This is what happens when you don’t have enough police on the ground,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We now have just two farm crime officers for the entire state, and at the same time, farmers across our region are waking up to find their fuel tanks drained overnight.
“This is not petty theft. This is targeted, organised crime hitting farmers where it hurts.”
Ms Cleeland said the loss of thousands of dollars’ worth of fuel could bring farming operations to a standstill, particularly during a period of rising costs and fuel uncertainty.
“At a time when margins are tight, losing a tank of fuel can stop work completely,” she said.
“Farmers are doing it tough enough without being hit by crime on top of everything else.”
Ms Cleeland said the surge in theft highlighted a direct link between declining police resources and rising crime in regional areas.
“When you strip back dedicated units and leave vacancies unfilled, communities feel it,” she said.
“Right now, farmers are being left to fend for themselves.”
Ms Cleeland is urging landholders to take practical steps to protect their fuel supplies, including installing locks on tanks, improving lighting and considering surveillance where possible.
“I know these properties are large and security isn’t always easy, but even small steps can make a real difference in deterring theft,” she said.
Ms Cleeland called on the Minister for Police to explain why the farm crime unit had been reduced to just two officers and what immediate action would be taken to restore support to regional Victoria.
“Our farmers deserve to feel safe on their own properties,” she said.
“I will keep pushing for the resources and support they need.
“If you have experienced fuel theft or suspicious activity, report it to police and let my office know so we can continue to build the case for proper resourcing where it is needed most.”