Advice following livestock thefts across Devon and Cornwall

Advice following livestock thefts across Devon and Cornwall

Following a spate of reported livestock thefts across Devon and Cornwall, we are appealing to our farming communities to be extra vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.

Theft of livestock can have a significant financial and emotional impact on farming families and rural businesses.

Investigations into recent livestock thefts remain ongoing.

In the meantime, if you have any information, dashcam footage, CCTV, or have noticed suspicious activity involving livestock, trailers or vehicles in rural areas, please contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 or via the force website.

While offenders are responsible for these crimes, there are practical measures that can help strengthen security and assist in identifying and recovering stolen animals.

If you’re able to, please consider reviewing your security arrangements by:

Ensuring all sheep are correctly EID tagged and records are up to date

Using additional visible identification, such as unique spray markings or flock-specific management tags

Photographing valuable breeding stock and keeping records of any distinctive features

Regularly checking and maintaining fences, gates and boundary security

Using robust locks, security chains and anti-lift hinges where appropriate

Restricting vehicle access to fields, particularly those located close to public roads

Monitoring livestock regularly and varying visit times where possible

Keeping accurate flock counts and promptly reporting any discrepancies

Securing handling equipment, raceways, loading ramps and holding pens when not in use

Fitting trailers with wheel clamps, hitch locks or tracking devices and parking them in secure locations

Exercising caution when sharing information online about livestock locations, movements or periods when premises may be unattended

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