A spate of sheep thefts in Southland means farmers should record stock numbers and report any suspicious activity, Invercargill police say.
Detective Constable Scott McConachie, of the Invercargill CIB, said farms in Lorneville, Mabel Bush, Kapuka, and the West Plains areas had stock stolen from paddocks which were close to the road, with easy access.
Police were investigating the thefts and believed the stock was stolen for food or possibly for resale.
The offenders were rounding up several sheep or lambs and then stealing a selection.
Farmers should inform neighbours when they were going to be away and although padlocking gates was often impractical, it could act as a deterrent.
Farmers should know their exact stock numbers and should report any stock thefts or suspicious activity so police could build a picture of the illegal activity.
Anyone who saw any suspicious activity should take down a description of the people, vehicles and any vehicle registration and should contact Invercargill police on (03) 211-0400 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
