Over 100 sheep reported stolen in Warwickshire 

Officers have received a report of 22 lambs at around six months old believed to be stolen from fields between Loxley and Wellesbourne. 

The incident happened between 12th and 25th July and follows a second report of 88 ewes and lambs allegedly being taken from fields near Kenilworth between 9th and 21st August. 

The sheep may have gone missing over the course of several days or at the same time. 

Illegal slaughter 

Officers from the Rural Crime Team said that they are working with partner organisations to investigate the missing sheep, with concerns that they may have been taken and then slaughtered illegally. 

A police spokesperson added: “We are aware of reports of sheep also going missing from neighbouring force areas. 

“If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in these areas on these dates, particularly with vehicles, or if you have any information that could help with our investigation, contact us citing Incident 93 of 28 August online at www.warwickshire.police.uk/report, by phone on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” 

The latest figures published by NFU Mutual have shown that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £52.8m in 2023, compared to £50.6m from the previous year. 

Livestock theft remained high last year, at an estimated cost of £2.7m across the UK.   

Read more rural crime news.