Farmers in the Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge, Brent Knoll, Berrow and Huntspill area have this week been warned by Police to step up their security after the theft of more than 40 lambs from a field.
Police say 43 Scotch Mule X Suffolk lambs have been taken from a field in Godney near Glastonbury and they are appealing for farmers to be extra vigilant to avoid any further local occurrences.
This theft is the first one of the season and Police say they are proactively working with farmers to raise awareness and promote crime prevention tactics in order to protect farmers from criminals taking advantage of the lambing season.
PC Katy Drabble from the force’s Rural Crime Team told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Livestock theft has a huge impact on the livelihood of individual farmers and small holders. Not only do they have to buy new stock but it takes a long-time to build up a well-established flock again; the long term impact is massive.”
“We are asking the communities of Somerset to be vigilant for anyone moving livestock around particularly at night, which is an unusual time to do so. If you see people in fields or with vehicles containing livestock at night, please give us a call – we would rather ascertain a person is there legitimately, than have to deal with a subsequent theft.”
Local farmer Dom Creed, 43, who has been shepherding for 25 years, said: “I just want them back. I’ve been breeding lambs for a long time and they’re very important to me. If anyone has any information please get in touch with the Police.”
There are a number things farmers can do to protect themselves from thieves such as ensuring boundaries and gates are in good order and wherever possible locked.
Farmers should also take care to not to leave any equipment lying around that could assist offenders in stealing livestock for example handling equipment or trailers.
Securing vulnerable access points around fields with boulders, deep ditches or tree trunks also prevents criminals having easy access.
PC Katy Drabble adds: “Anyone in the trade and buying of livestock should check the provenance and documentation of the animals is as it should be too, and we would remind members of the public that if someone is offering you animals/butchery products for a price that seems too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Burnham-On-Sea Police are also encouraging any farners who aren’t already a member of the force’s Farm Watch to join; the scheme is used to share information amongst rural communities to help prevent crime. If you’d like to find out more please contact the Rural Crime team on ruralcrimeteam@avonandsomerset.police.uk
Anyone in the area who may have seen suspicious activity at the time of this week’s theft should call 101, quoting reference 5218064931. If you’d like to remain anonymous you can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Pictured: The lambs were in a field when they were stolen (pic Mick Garratt) and Police investigating the theft this week
