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.
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