Raiders rustle 1,000 sheep

NFU Cymru is joining forces with Dyfed-Powys Police to call on rural communities to be extra vigilant following the theft of sheep.

 

In the last eight months alone, Dyfed-Powys Police has received reports of nearly 1,000 sheep believed to have been taken, with one farmer alone losing 142 sheep from his flock.

 

Inquiries are underway and officers are calling on farmers and everyone living in rural communities to be vigilant and to report any suspicious vehicles or anyone acting suspiciously to the police immediately.

 

NFU Cymru warns that sheep rustling is on the increase and a serious problem for local farmers. Montgomeryshire County Chairman, Edward Chapman said, “It is deeply worrying for livestock farmers that this type of activity is on the increase and is starting to form an upward trend.

 

“We now have a significant number of sheep thefts that have occurred throughout the county and it is unlikely that Montgomeryshire is alone in facing this problem and the warning goes out to livestock farmers around the country to be on their guard. Sheep rustling and farm theft is a serious criminal activity and farmers need to remain vigilant, anyone who sees anything suspicious should take down any relevant information such as vehicle registration numbers and report the incident immediately to the police.”

 

Dyfed-Powys Police Communities and Partnerships Sergeant Kelvin Briggs said, “These are serious offences which can have a significant impact on the livelihood of the victims and the rural community at large. We are working with NFU Cymru to further call on residents to remain vigilant.

 

“Police officers will be stepping up patrols in the rural areas across Powys and making vehicle stops in a bid to provide reassurance to members of the farming community. Officers are also urging people who see any suspiciously activity in the area to call police as all matters will be fully investigated.”