What do animal activists and bikies have in common?
Both groups are on a Victoria Police watch list.
Police say animal rights groups and bikie gangs have been increasing their activities across rural communities.
Activists have been releasing animals and causing vandalism on several farms while bikie gangs are behind a surge in gun and machinery thefts.
"That's something that does worry us," says Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton.
The two crime trends have emerged as falling livestock prices helped drive a 54 per cent drop in the number of reported sheep and cattle thefts across the state so far this year.
Police set up a team of agricultural officers, who have monitored farm-related crime, intercepted trucks and raided properties.
In one recent raid, police found more than $1 million in stolen property linked to bikie gangs.
"This is all happening in rural areas," Mr Ashton said.
On the rise in activism, Mr Ashton said police support the right to protest, but not when it involves breaking into farms.
"We've got to make sure with this type of activism that a healthy demonstration doesn't become criminal activity," he said.
Farmers have been asked to be on alert, keep their fences in good condition and call police whenever something is stolen.
