ANY theft is an inconvenience on the victim but it always comes at a cost even when those affected are insured, which three vignerons in the Barossa are currently feeling.
According to a SA Police spokesperson rural crime had not significantly increased in the past year and did not appear to be on the rise.
But for vignerons WS&KA Rohrlach, Light Pass, they have are the latest vineyard to have fallen victim to theft.
Corey Rohrlach said his parents 28 hectare property which he works on had 16 brass ball valves removed in an incident which occurred on June 28.
"I believe the thieves knew the taps were there," he said.
"They either worked on our property or the neighbours because it was actually two of my neighbours who were a victim as well.
"They got 33 valves all up just jumping vineyard to vineyard.
"The thieves took eight two-inch and eight one-inch valves from our property."
He said one of the valves resulted in the family losing about six hours worth of SA mains water.
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"It will cost the business $1500 in parts alone to repair the valves plus an hour of work per valve they have destroyed," he said.
"They smashed the valves out with an axe so we fear there is damage underground, we cannot see."
Mr Rohrlach said police were still holding the taps for evidence in court.
"It will take too long to get them back, so we will just replace them ourselves and claim it on insurance," he said.
"The police didn't have any recommendations besides fencing the vineyard which is not viable."
He said it was frustrating to need to find the time to replace the valves due to actions of others.
SA Police spokesperson said three vineyards had reported having taps stolen.
"Police recommend residents make personal property/farm equipment/power tools uniquely identifiable and maintain records of such (including serial numbers and photographs where possible) to assist police with investigations should they become the victim of such an offence," they said.
"Security cameras with the ability to record footage, particularly in low light, are also of great benefit."
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Kiara Stacey
Journalist for Stock Journal. Kiara was in classified sales at Stock Journal before joining the editorial team in 2021. Kiara completed a Bachelor of Communication (journalism) at Deakin University the year prior.
Journalist for Stock Journal. Kiara was in classified sales at Stock Journal before joining the editorial team in 2021. Kiara completed a Bachelor of Communication (journalism) at Deakin University the year prior.
