The teams will work across northern, southern and central NSW, overseen by a State Rural Crime Coordinator. Specially trained rural crime officers will be clustered around regional centres to allowing them to target and prevent crime, and respond quickly when it occurs.

The teams were announced by NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, and Deputy Commissioner Regional NSW Field Operations Gary Worboys and Minister for Police Troy Grant on Tuesday morning.

The new structure will improve outcomes for those affected by rural crime, said Commissioner Fuller.

“Rural crime is a serious issue that impacts whole communities. This model will renew the focus on community engagement and preventing crime,” Commissioner Fuller said.

“The Rural Crime Prevention Teams will share information across the districts which will allow officers to identify patterns and recidivist behaviour.”

Issues such as stock theft, trespass and illegal hunting are on the radar, as police seek to better target and respond to rural crime said Deputy Commissioner Worboys.

“Rural Crime Prevention Teams will provide support to victims and introducing a better structure for our investigators ensures they can perform their duties without compromise,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

“We know rural crime is one of the biggest issues for regional and rural NSW and this structure provides better oversight and resources for officers to proactively prevent crime.”