According to foreign media reports, police in Wiltshire, southern England, are looking for a group of professional sheep thieves, and a series of thefts in the past two months have led to the disappearance of nearly 200 sheep. Authorities suspect the robbery was carried out by a group of professional thieves with specially trained dogs.
Infographic: Sheep.
From 7 November to 27 December 2019, three sheep thefts were reported in Lacock, Melksham and Drissberg, Wiltshire, with 45, 61 and 72 sheep being stolen respectively. The Romney sheep were "targeted" in the recent theft, a hardy sheep breed known for its meat and long wool.
Wiltshire Police Emily Thomas urged local residents to remain vigilant and call the police if any vehicles are found or in contact with people they do not know or livestock.
Thomas said police believe the three incidents are linked. "We think these incidents may be linked and the perpetrators must be trained trained trainers and dogs, as this theft requires a high degree of organization and is quick and undisturbed."
In the UK, incidents of livestock theft are not uncommon. In 2019, Farmers Weekly cited insurance claims data as saying that about £2.5 million worth of animals were stolen in 2018.
The price of livestock varies greatly depending on the region and pedigree. Local agriculture-related classification information websites show that sheep and lambs range in price from £70 to £150 per head.
Editor-in-charge: Li Linzhi