Appeal after sheep theft from Dorset field
Police are appealing for information after a flock of sheep was stolen from a field near Powerstock, Bridport.
A total of 28 ewes were taken, according to officers from Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, who said the theft occurred some time between 7.30am on Thursday February 6, and 7am on Friday February 7.
The ewes were wearing ear tags with flock number UK351301.
“The stolen ewes are all Poll Dorset’s,” said a spokesman for the force.
“Dorset Police Rural Crime Team is keen to hear from anyone with information regarding this incident.
“Were you in the area during that time? If so, did you see anything suspicious? Any vehicles with livestock trailers attached seen acting suspiciously? Any livestock vehicles seen acting suspiciously?”
Following the thefts, police have issued the below advice to farmers and smallholders:
• Keep the gates to your livestock locked and make sure that the hinges are capped to prevent the gate being lifted off its hinges
• Block up unused gateways with tree trunks and old machinery
• Consider fitting wildlife or trial cameras to fields where livestock are present to detect vehicle or person movement
• Fit gate alarms
• Consider fitting early warning intervention alarms that will link to your phone
• Consider using livestock tracing systems
If you would like more information on measures available to protect your livestock, or a crime prevention visit to your farm or smallholding, please contact the Rural Crime Team via email [email protected]
Residents with information about the theft or whereabouts of the sheep are asked to contact Dorset Police on 101; at www.dorset.police.uk, or via email: [email protected] quoting occurrence number 55200020271.
To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers Rural Crime Reporting Line on 0800 7830137 or www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk
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