Ep 17. Counting Chickens

In Blue Heelers season 5 episode 17, "Counting Chickens", the rural town of Mount Thomas is hit with a string of thefts from local farms, leaving the community on edge. The thieves are targeting small, valuable items such as chickens and farm equipment, making it difficult for the police force to locate any significant leads.

Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon takes charge of the investigation, which proves to be a laborious task. In one particular instance, a farm owner loses 30 chickens in a single night. This leaves the owner frustrated and desperate for a solution, putting pressure on the police department to solve the matter expeditiously. With little physical evidence, the detectives must rely on interviewing witnesses in the area, who might have seen any suspicious activity in the early morning light.

As the days progress, the team's frustration grows, and Tom's officers rely on subtle investigative tactics such as setting up a hidden camera on a farm. The camera captures footage of a mysterious figure stealing from the farm, but it is not clear or convincing enough to provide any concrete proof.

One of the primary suspects, a local junk collector named Rambo, proves to be an elusive target for the police force. Despite numerous interviews, he manages to talk his way out of any suspicion. However, upon further inspection, the team discovers that Rambo's dog has an injured paw, which prompts a more thorough investigation.

The episode reaches a climactic ending, as an unsuspecting Rambo gets caught in the act. He confesses to his crimes and explains his motivation behind the thefts, revealing an underlying issue within the town's farming community.

The episode highlights the perseverance of the police force in solving complex cases and the importance of community in solving crimes. It also emphasizes the interconnectedness of people within a small town and the impact that a single individual can have on an entire community. Overall, "Counting Chickens" is a thrilling episode that showcases the skill and dedication of the Blue Heelers police force.