Oamaru police are appealing for information after 24 ewes were stolen from the Waiareka Saleyards on Sunday night.
Gus Caldwell, of Rural Livestock Ltd, helped unload 45 ewes, belonging to Ross and Jo Hay, on Sunday and left the saleyards about 6.30pm.
He returned at 6am yesterday and after finishing sorting cattle, went to sort the ewes about 7.30am.
''I said, 'There should be more there', and found 24 had gone missing,'' Mr Caldwell said.
It was unlikely the ewes could have escaped and Mr Caldwell believed the theft would have required at least two trailer-loads or a ''decent'' truck.
''Obviously, someone has backed in with a truck or trailer ... and helped themselves,'' he said.
Thefts of stock from the Waiareka Saleyards was not unheard of, but only happened about once or twice every 10 years and usually involved smaller numbers, Mr Caldwell said.
The remaining 21 ewes sold for $89 each yesterday and Mr Caldwell estimated the loss to Mr and Mrs Hay to be about $2136.
Mrs Hay said most of the stolen ewes had electronic ID ear tags and all had orange raddle down their backs. She asked the public to keep an eye out for the stolen stock.
Acting Sergeant Anton Perham, of Oamaru, said investigations were beginning yesterday.
He asked anyone who saw anything suspicious, or with information about the theft, to contact the Oamaru police on 03 433-1400.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555-111.
