The recent spate of livestock thefts has continued, as close to 30 cattle have been reported stolen in Northern Ireland in two separate incidents recently.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is appealing for witnesses to the two thefts in Co. Tyrone and Co. Derry recently.
PSNI officers in Omagh are appealing for witnesses following the theft of cattle from the Tiroony Road area of Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone.
This theft allegedly took place sometime between 8:30pm on Thursday, April 6 and 9:00am on Friday, April 7.
A number of valuable cattle – nine black Aberdeen Angus bulls and eight black heifers – were stolen in this incident, Sergeant Ryan McConville said.
“We would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area around this time.
We would be particularly keen for the driver of a tractor and trailer who was seen in the area between 2:00am and 3:00am on Friday morning to get in touch with us.
“Anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 249 – 7/4/17.
“Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on: 0800-555-111,” he said.
Meanwhile, PSNI officers are also appealing for witnesses and information following the report of a theft from a residential premises in the Greysteel/Eglinton area of Derry.
The cattle were reportedly stolen in mid-March, Constable Kenny Hughes said.
“It was reported between Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19. Between 12 and 15 Friesian cattle were stolen during the night from the rear yard of a residential premises in the Greysteel/ Eglinton area of Derry,” he said.
The PSNI is appealing to anyone that may have any information or to anyone that may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time to come forward.
Anyone that was offered similar Friesian cattle for sale in suspicious circumstances is asked to contact Limavady police station.
Sheep thefts
Earlier this week, two farmers in Co. Kerry reported sheep stolen from Mount Brandon in Co. Kerry.
One farmer, Michael Joe O’Shea, alleges that close to 45 in-lamb Scotch ewes have been taken. O’Shea’s neighbour, Richie Griffin, also reported a further 10 ewes stolen.
A reward has been offered for anyone with information leading to the the recovery of the animals.
