Police investigate spate of lamb thefts in south Shropshire
Police in south Shropshire are stepping up efforts to trace sheep rustlers following a spate of thefts in the area.
In one incident last month, dozens of lambs were stolen from a field in the Corvedale prompting calls for rural residents to report any suspicious activity especially sightings of lambs being loaded from fields into vehicles. In particular, police have urged people to record the registration numbers of suspicious vehicles.
Sergeant Adrian Woolley said: “We are keen to raise awareness of this problem and encourage people in rural areas to report any activity which raises their suspicions. They should contact Ludlow police station on 101.
“Following this recent increase in lamb thefts, the police are working with Shropshire Council public protection officers making spot checks on premises where meat is processed or sold, including wholesale butchers.
“The checks will continue throughout the year. Officers are also being tasked with stopping vehicles thought to be carrying livestock or game.
“We suspect that the rise in meat prices has fuelled this type of crime and we also suspect that the slaughtering could be happening in residential areas.”
He added: “We are also appealing for information regarding random sales of meat in pubs as well as details concerning the identity of those responsible for the thefts.”
Those with information can contact Ludlow police station on 101 or call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
