A rural officer for West Mercia Police has said recent livestock thefts could be linked to the illegal sale of meat on the black market.
Rural and business crime officer for North Worcestershire, Sarah Sceats, urged farmers in Worcestershire to be extra vigilant following recent incidences of sheep thefts.
West Mercia Police’s rural and business crime teams issued the warning, following several recent incidents in the Iverley area.
“It is believed the thefts and attempted thefts could be for the illegal sale of meat on the black market,” Sceats said.
“Meat bought from criminal sources would not meet the safety standards of shop-bought products.
“We would further warn potential thieves that stealing lambs at this time of year is not only a criminal offence but that in any case they would also not be getting much meat on the bones and that it is also cruel to separate them from their parents which can be particularly distressing for the ewes.”
Thefts
A pregnant ewe was stolen and, two weeks later, two lambs were stolen. There was another incident when another attempt was made to take lambs from the same location.
On the first occasion, it is suspected the thieves discovered the ewe was pregnant, so they abandoned her in a lay-by miles away in Brierley Hill.
Fortunately, West Mercia Police said, another farmer found her and returned to her owners.
As well as these incidents, thieves attempted to steal lambs from a farm in Upton Warren, near Bromsgrove.
However, the theft was disturbed by a member of the public and although they tried to flee with the lamb it was left behind.
Recently, two rams worth around £500 each were reported stolen from a farm in Wildmoor, near Bromsgrove.
“We are urging farmers to be extra vigilant of their livestock following these recent incidents,” Sceats said.
“We are advising them to take the time to check the perimeters of their land are as secure as possible and, where practical, to keep sheep and lambs as close to the farm as they can.”
