Borders rustlers steal 300 sheep

A MAJOR investigation is under way in the Borders to track down rustlers who have stolen 300 sheep – worth more than £30,000.

Police are to step up patrols and road checks to try to catch the thieves. Each missing sheep is currently worth an average of around 100, with lamb prices at their highest for many years; and it is believed that is what has attracted the rustlers.

NFU Scotland said it is working with Lothian and Borders Police to tackle "a significant" increase of sheep thefts in the area. It says farmers have seen around 300 sheep reported stolen from a number of farms in the area.

As a result of the problems in Lothian and the Borders, the union is urging all livestock farmers across Scotland to be on their guard, to keep an eye on their stock and to report thefts or suspicious activities to their local police forces.

NFU Scotland's regional manager for the area, Lisa Roberts, said: "Though we now have a significant number of sheep thefts that have occurred throughout these parts it is unlikely that Lothian and Borders is alone in facing this problem and the warning goes out to livestock farmers around the country to be on their guard.

"We would like members to be aware of any suspicious activity they may have witnessed. Has there been any unusual livestock transport vehicles in the area? Has there been any unusual activity at farm sales? Do you know of anyone who may be looking to sell more stock than they would normally? Are abattoirs and butchers being offered stock from unexpected or unusual sources?"

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said:

"The property taken includes not just livestock but ranges across plant, machinery, quad bikes, and break-ins to homes."