Livestock thefts alerts spark warning to Scots farmers
© Tim Scrivener Scottish farmers are being urged to remain on high alert following a spate of attempted livestock thefts during the lambing season.
The thefts have prompting warnings from NFU Scotland, NFU Mutual, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime.
Reports have emerged of individuals attempting to catch young lambs in fields across Scotland, with some incidents involving vehicles being driven into fields among ewes and their offspring.
In one case, a four-week-old Texel lamb was stolen from a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.
See also: Police appeal after 19 in-lamb ewes stolen in Worcestershire
NFU Scotland policy manager Rhianna Montgomery described the thefts as a serious concern during an already stressful time for farmers.
“Lambing is incredibly stressful without the added concerns of harm or theft of livestock,” she said.
“The strain on animals caused by such incidents cannot be underestimated at such a vulnerable time.”
According to NFU Mutual, livestock thefts cost UK farmers an estimated £2.7m in 2023.
The insurer is advising farmers to take extra precautions, including installing CCTV near gateways, securing field entrances, and moving animals away from roadside fields where possible.
NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “As a sheep farmer’s daughter, I understand how devastating these thefts are.
“We urge farmers to report suspicious activity, record vehicle registration numbers, and share any video evidence safely with police.”
Footage request
Police Scotland is also asking members of the public to send any footage directly to officers rather than posting it online, and to avoid confronting potential thieves.
To help tackle the issue, NFU Mutual continues to fund the UK’s first national livestock theft prevention officer and supports the targeting of police resources in high-risk rural areas.
Farmers are encouraged to join local Rural Watch schemes and dial 999 if a theft is in progress.