Gates 'to be secured' after baad day for sheep

27/02/2009

Police are urging farmers to ensure their gates are securely locked in the Henstridge region of Avon and Somerset after 60 lambs were stolen from a farm in the area.

Hurdles were left behind at the scene which may have been used to herd the livestock into a waiting vehicle.

Avon and Somerset police commented: "It is likely that this was an organised theft and more than one person was involved.

"The texel cross mule fat lambs are individually marked."

According to the authority, the sheep are thought to be worth in the region of £6,000 and they were taken overnight between February 23rd and 24th from a field in Park Lane, Henstridge.

The police are also encouraging farmers to vary their routine movement of livestock as well as secure their gates.

Earlier this month, Avon and Somerset police reported that £30,000 worth of horseriding equipment was taken from a Riding for the Disabled centre, which may mean that similar establishments will want to install safer gates.