Cornwall Trading Standards is urging rural communities to be vigilant following a string of livestock thefts in Somerset in the past two weeks.  One incident saw 240 sheep taken from a field overnight in South Somerset.  Although sheep appear to be the main targets, other livestock such as pigs and geese have also been stolen.

Keepers of livestock and horses are advised to monitor their animals regularly and record details of individuals and vehicles that are acting suspiciously, especially if anyone appears to be moving livestock around at night.

Members of the rural community are advised to join Devon and Cornwall Police’s ‘Farm Watch’ scheme which operates similarly to Neighbourhood Watch and enables information to be shared quickly across the farming community.  There is a similar scheme for horse owners. 

Anyone with information on livestock or farm equipment thefts  should call the Devon & Cornwall rural crime team on 101.