South West farmers on alert after major sheep theft

Devon and Cornwall Police have launched an investigation after a significant theft of store lambs from a farm in North Devon.

The offenders stole a large number of Suffolk cross and Texel cross lambs – both male and female – sometime between 10am on Monday 15 September and 10am on Tuesday 16 September.

Police say the scale of the theft would have required either a large livestock lorry or multiple trailer trips, suggesting a well-organised operation.

See also: Co-ordinated action sees drop in rural crime cost

Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for information, and have asked the public to quote crime reference number 50250242197 when reporting sightings, suspicious activity or information.

The theft comes just weeks after rural insurer NFU Mutual released its annual Rural Crime Report, which revealed that livestock theft cost UK farmers £3.4m in 2024.

Despite a modest overall decline in rural crime – down to £44.1m from £52.8m the year before – livestock rustling remains one of the most persistent and costly offences.

Sheep and lambs account for nearly 70% of the animals stolen.

Insurers have raised concerns that rural thefts are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with stolen animals often moved quickly through unregulated channels.