Farmers 'heartbroken' after spike in sheep thefts across Wiltshire

Farmers in Wiltshire say they are worried by a sharp increase in sheep thefts. In the past two months, nearly two hundred sheep have been stolen in three separate incidents in the west of the county.

On 7 November approximately 45 sheep were stolen from a gated and locked field in Corsham Road, Lacock. On 17 December, 61 sheep were stolen from a field in Broughton Gifford, Melksham. On 27 December, 72 Romney breeding ewes were stolen from a field on the Bowood Estate, Derry Hill. Police have been so far unable to trace the culprits.

Losing pregnant ewes has a serious financial impact on farmers, and the stolen animals face a bleak future too. Without the right ID, registered slaughterhouses will not take the sheep. Instead they are often kept and killed in secret, with no monitoring of their welfare.

Broughton Gifford farmer Steven Carnie says:"We don't know where they're going or how they're going to be treated as a result of their theft. And you presume not very well. They're not going to be put on display anywhere, especially with our marks and things on them. They're going to be hidden away in the back of a shed until they're disposed of in whatever way."

Sheep are naturally vulnerable; they have to stay outdoors for health reasons, and in winter they are kept in fields across a large area, often far from their farms, to make the most of the available grass. Even behind a locked gate, they can make easy pickings for an experienced thief.

PC Emily Thomas from Wiltshire Police said: “We are keeping an open mind but we believe these three incidents may be linked and those responsible must be skilled sheep handlers with trained dogs as this kind of theft requires a high level or organisation to be conducted quickly and undisturbed.

“Often, those responsible will not look suspicious to passers-by unless you are local and know who the farmers in your area are.

“Our message to the public would be to always be vigilant and if you see any vehicles or people you do not recognise dealing with livestock in your area, please call 101 and report your concerns as well as any description of vehicle you are able to obtain as soon as possible. Even if it turns out the individuals are legitimate, we would rather be made aware so we can check all is well.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190124666.