Sheep rustling warning issued in Somerset after flock of 240 disappears overnight

Some sheep can be worth tens of thousands of pounds

A Suffolk ram, similar to some of the sheep stolen (J Gareth/Wikipedia)

Some 240 sheep have been stolen from fields near a Somerset village, the latest theft in a spate of sheep rustling.

A herd of Poll Dorsets, Suffolks and Charollais rams and mews were taken from near Langport, south Somerset, between 24 and 25 July.

Four more sheep rustling offences were recorded by police within two weeks of each other in late July in the Somerset villages of Chinnock, Mark, Ilminster and South Petherton.

PC Katy Drabble said: “Last year Somerset suffered extensive livestock theft, and as a result we proactively worked with farmers to raise awareness, promote crime prevention tactics and have run several successful, multi-agency operations targeting thieves.

“This year we were delighted that we didn’t really see any livestock thefts throughout the spring and early part of the summer. However, in the last two weeks we have seen five incidents of sheep thefts.”

PC Drabble said despite the rate of thefts being lower than 2015, the crimes still have a "huge impact" on the livelihoods of farmers and smallholders.

She added: “Not only do they have to buy new stock but it takes a long-time to build up a well-established flock again; the long-term impact is massive.”

The value of the stolen livestock is unknown, but some pedigree sheep can be worth thousands.

The police appealed to the public to be vigilant for anyone moving livestock around at night.

“If you see people in fields or with vehicles containing livestock at night, please give us a call,” said PC Drabble. “We would rather ascertain a person is there legitimately, than have to deal with a subsequent theft.”

Precautions for farmers included ensuring all livestock is tagged and boundaries and gates are in good order and locked. PC Drabble also suggested putting something heavy in front of gates in order to obstruct thieves.

There was also a direct appeal to livestock traders. “Please check the provenance and documentation of the animals is as it should be,” said PC Drabble.

“We would remind members of the public that if someone is offering you animals or butchery products for a price that seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

“Don’t create a market in which thieves can operate. Buying stolen property is an offence.”