Warning over sheep rustling

A POLICE inquiry has been launched after 30 lambs were stolen from a farm in North Yorkshire as livestock thieves continue to exploit the rising price of meat.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jan 2013, 06:00 BST

Officers from North Yorkshire Police yesterday issued a plea for information after the nine-month-old Texel lambs were taken from a field at Oulston, near Thirsk.

PC Julia Kessell, of the Thirsk Safer Neighbourhood Team, urged villagers to remain vigilant for any vehicles or people they do not recognise amid concerns the thieves could strike again.

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She added: “I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have been offered the lambs for sale either alive or slaughtered and ask them to get in touch.”

The Yorkshire Post revealed in August that farmers had been warned to be on their guard after an increase in sheep rustling linked to the rising price of meat.

Statistics released by NFU Mutual, which insures three-quarters of the UK’s farmers, revealed the region has seen a significant rise in the number of cases and related claims. In the North-East region alone - which includes North Yorkshire - the cost of livestock rustling more than doubled in 2011, leaving a bill in excess of £1.4m.

The latest offence happened at some time between Friday, January 11, and Monday last week, but police only released details yesterday. The stolen animals have a distinctive letter “R” painted on their backs.

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Related topics:North YorkshireNFU MutualNorth Yorkshire PoliceThirskStatistics