AFTER a stream of car thefts on the Mid North Coast, the Nambucca community is rallying around recent victim Petra Campbell as she attempts to recover stolen goods from her South Arm property near Bowraville.
Petra and her adult children have been proactive on social media with posts calling for eyewitnesses to the theft of a Kubota tractor, farm equipment and other valuables, which were brazenly removed from the property around Tuesday, 7 July 2026.
“They took everything sometime after Saturday 4 July when all my power was unplugged, which supplied my wifi security cameras,” Ms Campbell said.
“They seemed to know my movements. It was calculated and so well executed.”
Locals have responded to Facebook posts with a number of reported sightings of the tractor being driven on roads as far away as Bellingen and Dorrigo.
Petra and her family are grateful for the wonderful support from the community, who seem tired of all the robberies occurring.
“The response has been incredible,” Ms Campbell said..
“A lot of people want these robberies to stop and want to feel safe in our beautiful valley.”.
Since moving to the area in 2018, Ms Campbell has survived drought, fire, floods and even a mini tornado, which took off the roof a few years ago, but is determined to rebuild towards her dream of a sustainable property.
The 10-year trend, up to March 2026, for the number of recorded vehicle thefts in Nambucca Valley, is up 4.6 per cent, according to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) online.
News Of The Area asked police about their response to this trend.
Police attached to the Mid North Coast Police District assess property-related offences daily and meet regularly throughout the week to allocate resources to identified focus areas, according to a police spokeperson.
“Police have increased patrols in targeted areas and continue to investigate reported vehicle thefts and break-ins,” a police spokesperson said..
“While several arrests have been made, officers remain vigilant and will continue deploying resources to locate those responsible.”
Suspicious behaviour or information regarding vehicle thefts or break-ins should be reported to local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
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