"Lowlifes" steal rodeo fencing

Police are investigating the theft of 20 panels and four gates. The equipment was last seen at the association’s paddock about four weeks ago and reported missing by a committee member on Saturday.

Committee member Mick Bischel (pictured) used social media to ask the public to keep an eye out for the distinctive panels and gates.

“We are just in complete shock that people would rob a small country community club,” Mr Bischel said.

“It was a strategic crime. More than one person had to be involved and machinery was needed to load it all, because these panels are very heavy and thick steel”.

The panels, tough enough to keep rodeo bulls in, were some of the club’s original arena, when the Longreach Rodeo was held in the main showgrounds.

The panels were still very valuable to the club, used to yard and hold rodeo stock when needed, or to help drovers passing through the area.

The social media post has struck a chord with a lot of the public, with the news being shared right across the west.

“It’s a low act to steal from a club,” Mr Bischel said. “We hope the fencing is found and returned. It would be a great loss to the club if it’s not.

“It’s hard to think they could get away completely unnoticed even though roads have been a bit quiet since Covid-19.”

Anyone who may have seen the stolen panels and gates can call Longreach Police or Crimestoppers.