Burglars are targeting farms in the south-west, stealing power tools and farm equipment in a three-week crime spree.
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So far the culprits have taken $30,000 worth of goods from farm sheds on about seven properties around Timboon, Brucknell and the Glenfyne area.
Detective Senior Constable Derek Verity, of the Warrnambool Criminal Investigation Unit, said police were investigating if the break-ins were linked.
"Farmers have got enough on their plate at the moment without having to worry about this," Detective Senior Constable Verity said.
"It's a sign of the times.
"It hasn't been an issue in the past in that area."
He said some farmers hadn't even realised they too had been robbed until they heard about the burglaries on the grapevine and checked their own sheds.
Detective Senior Constable Verity said there may be other farmers who had been targeted but hadn't reported it to police.
He said the burglars were taking just a small number of items from each property, so it was easy for farmers not to realise they'd been targeted.
Items taken include chainsaws, a quad bike, spray boom, power tools and other farm equipment.
Farmers have been warned to be alert and if they see something suspicious, call police.
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