Police are appealing for help after more than 30 thefts of sheep and cattle were reported since August
POLICE are appealing for help after more than 30 reports of sheep and cattle thefts in the last four months across West and Mid Wales.
The incidents occurred across Carmarthenshire, Powys and Ceredigion, and ranged in size from the theft of a handful of sheep to one where 141 were taken, and another where 15 cows were stolen.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the thefts of sheep over the summer months - often from common land or isolated fields - were only now coming to light with the autumn counting of flocks, making it difficult to trace those responsible.
Officers said the thieves would have had experience of handling livestock, and the thefts would also involve transportation, butchery and the selling-on of carcasses or live animals.
Police are appealing for anybody with information to come forward and help their investigations, or contact the charity, Crimestoppers.
Dyfed-Powys Police superintendent Robyn Mason, the force's lead officer for rural crime, said: "Livestock thefts, in particular theft of sheep, provide for challenging investigations. Forensic opportunities in livestock investigation can be very limited.
"We therefore rely on people to come forward with information that could lead us to the suspects.
"The people involved must have knowledge and experience of handling livestock, the means to transport them and the markets to sell on the animals as carcasses or potential breeding stock.
"People within the industry will know or have their suspicions as to who is responsible for these crimes. I would urge anyone with information to contact their local police or Crimestoppers."
Dyfed-Powys Police said that as well as increasing proactive patrols focusing on vehicles that could be used to transport livestock, the force was looking at ways of working with the farming unions, sheep associations and related industry organisations on long term measures to tackle the problem.
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/police-appeal-for-help-over-sheep-and-cattle-thefts/story-29938240-detail/story.html#HTY5lzfwMY6KKqGe.99
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