Police appeal after 64 sheep stolen near Halloon Roundabout

Police are appealing for witnesses after 64 sheep were stolen from farmland near the Halloon Roundabout between St Columb Major and Indian Queens.

The theft is believed to have happened between 3pm and 9.50pm on Saturday 18 July.

The stolen livestock include mostly Texel-cross-Roussin sheep, along with a small number of Poll Dorset and North Country Mule sheep.

Officers are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward if they saw anything suspicious, including livestock trailers, lorries or anyone gathering or moving sheep. They are also keen to hear from anyone who saw a blue hatchback car in the area.

Anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV is asked to contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 or via the force's website, quoting reference 50260189691.

PC Lucy Wyatt, Devon & Cornwall Police's Rural Affairs Officer, said livestock theft can have a significant financial and emotional impact on farming families and rural businesses.

She said: "The theft of livestock can have a significant financial and emotional impact on farming families and rural businesses. We would urge anyone who notices suspicious activity involving livestock, trailers or vehicles in rural areas to report it to police as soon as possible.

"While offenders are responsible for these crimes, there are practical measures that can help strengthen security and assist in identifying and recovering stolen animals. By working together and remaining vigilant, we can help protect our rural communities and make it more difficult for criminals to operate."

Police are also encouraging livestock owners to review their security arrangements. Advice includes ensuring sheep are electronically tagged, using additional visible identification markings, photographing valuable breeding stock, maintaining secure fences and gates, restricting vehicle access to fields, regularly checking livestock, keeping accurate flock records, securing handling equipment and trailers, and being cautious about sharing details of livestock locations online.