Appeal for information following livestock theft near St Columb
Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of 64 ewes and lambs from land near the Halloon Roundabout between St Columb and Indian Queens, Cornwall.
The incident is believed to have occurred between 3.00pm and 9.50pm on Saturday 18 July.
The stolen livestock are most Texel-cross-Roussin sheep, along with a small number of Poll Dorsets and North Country Mules.
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen suspicious activity, including vehicles such as livestock trailers or lorries, or anyone gathering or moving sheep. Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a blue hatchback car reported to have been in the area at the time.
Anyone with information, relevant dashcam footage, CCTV, or who witnessed anything unusual is asked to contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 or via the force website, quoting reference 50260189691.
PC Lucy Wyatt, Rural Affairs Officer for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “The theft of livestock can have a significant financial and emotional impact on farming families and rural businesses. We would urge anyone who notices suspicious activity involving livestock, trailers or vehicles in rural areas to report it to police as soon as possible.
“While offenders are responsible for these crimes, there are practical measures that can help strengthen security and assist in identifying and recovering stolen animals. By working together and remaining vigilant, we can help protect our rural communities and make it more difficult for criminals to operate.”
Livestock owners are encouraged to review their security arrangements and remain vigilant.
Advice includes:
- Ensuring all sheep are correctly EID tagged and records are up to date
- Using additional visible identification, such as unique spray markings or flock-specific management tags
- Photographing valuable breeding stock and keeping records of any distinctive features
- Regularly checking and maintaining fences, gates and boundary security
- Using robust locks, security chains and anti-lift hinges where appropriate
- Restricting vehicle access to fields, particularly those located close to public roads
- Monitoring livestock regularly and varying visit times where possible
- Keeping accurate flock counts and promptly reporting any discrepancies
- Securing handling equipment, raceways, loading ramps and holding pens when not in use
- Fitting trailers with wheel clamps, hitch locks or tracking devices and parking them in secure locations
- Exercising caution when sharing information online about livestock locations, movements or periods when premises may be unattended
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