Shropshire butchers face spot checks over sheep rustling
Wholesale butchers and livestock vehicles will be subjected to random spot checks as police try to clamp down on sheep rustling across the county, it was revealed today.
The move follows a spate of sheep thefts which has seen animals worth thousands of pounds stolen from fields in Shropshire and across the border into Powys.
Figures released today reveal farmers lost more than 3,600 sheep, worth more than £250,000, in the Midlands region last year.
Police have been alarmed by the rate of thefts so far this year, driven by rising prices for lamb.
Sergeant Adrian Woolley, of Ludlow police station, said: "Following this recent increase in lamb thefts, we 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.
"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."
Dyfed-Powys Police has also increased patrols. Neighbourhood policing team officer Hefin Jones said: "These are serious offences which can have a significant impact on the livelihood of the victims and the rural community at large.
"Where possible, police officers will be stepping up patrols across the local area and making vehicle stops in a bid to provide reassurance to members of the farming community. Farm Watch will inform members of recent thefts and encourage members of the farming community who haven't joined the scheme to get in touch."
Star comment: Help catch the sheep rustlers
