Rustlers steal more than 50 sheep in farm raid

A flock of more than 50 sheep has been stolen from a farm in Morayshire.

Police Scotland said the sheep – a mixture of one-year-old Cheviot and Blackface livestock – were taken from a field in the Alves area of Moray.

The rustlers struck sometime between midday on Wednesday (3 May) and Thursday (4 May) in the Coltfield area.

See also: Rural crime on the increase in Scotland

Officers said those responsible for the theft would have planned it carefully and used vehicles to transport the animals away from the area.

PC Katherine Powell, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would urge any members of the public who saw anyone or anything suspicious around the times in question to please get in touch if you think your information could help.

“We take rural crime extremely seriously as part of our day-to-day policing in the North East, and I can assure the local and rural communities that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, police are appealing for information after more than 30 Blackface sheep were stolen from a farm on the Isle of Skye.

The theft happened sometime within the past six weeks from an open hill ground on the Trotternish Ridge.

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.