Police seek to reunite 63 stolen sheep with owners

A search is under way to reunite farmers with a flock of stolen sheep.

Police in North Yorkshire seized 63 sheep from a field close to Thirsk on 10 December.

The flock consists of a number of different breeds and both sexes.

See also: What to do if you’re a victim of… sheep rustling

Officers want to hear from any farmers or landowners who may have had sheep stolen over the past 12 months.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “If you suspect you have had sheep stolen, please provide as much detail as possible and a description of the livestock.”

Have you had sheep stolen in the last 12 months? We've seized 63 sheep from land near #Thirsk and we believe they may have been stolen. Read more: https://t.co/vzymA5tkkM #sheep #appeal #thirsk #northyorkshire pic.twitter.com/RDbkMA6ImC

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) December 30, 2019

Rural insurer NFU Mutual says sheep rustling has risen sharply over the past few years.

According to its latest annual rural crime report, £2.5m worth of animals were stolen in 2018 – a rise of 11% since 2016.

Anyone with information on this latest crime is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12190225798.