Inquiries continue following a pro-active police operation targeting rural crime in the state's south-west.
Operation Brushwood was conducted between last Thursday (4 December 2025) and Monday (8 December 2025), in the towns of Hillston, Wallanthrey, Merriwagga, Booligal, One Tree, Hay, Roto and Oxley.
Five detectives attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT) South West Zone (Murrumbidgee, Murray River and Riverina Police Districts) conducted to target rural crime/illegal hunting-related offences, monitor livestock movements, and conduct safe storage inspections on rural properties and vehicles.
Notable results included,
- 48 safe storage Inspections
- 42 National Vendor Declarations
- Four infringements issued for breaches during Transport Stock Statement inspections
- 12 hunting dog/vehicle inspections/search
- Six intelligence reports
- Eight wool, hide and skin/property inspections
During the course of the operation, five firearms were seized as a result of safe storage inspections during which an unregistered firearm and unsafe keeping was detected allegedly by an 73-year-old man at Booligal. Investigations are ongoing.
A separate incident involving alleged cruelty to a horse is also being investigated.
Inquiries are continuing into stock theft.
Anyone with information about rural-related crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
