Breaking News: Sheep Rustling on the Increase

An article found on the BBC website today…

A flock of 271 sheep, worth up to £25,000, has been stolen from a field in Ramsbottom, Bury. Thieves herded the sheep through a pen and into the back of what must have been a large vehicle, police said.

The National Famers’ Union (NFU) said the scale of the theft was “highly unusual” and that lamb price hikes may make sheep more attractive to thieves.

Farmer William Holden said he felt “like I’d been kicked” when he discovered the theft on 13 May.

The Texel sheep are worth up to £90 each at live auction, said Mr Holden, 50, who inherited Higher Bold Venture Farm at Oswaldtwistle from his mother and now runs it with his two sons.

“Sheep are our livelihood. I just felt gutted, like I’d been kicked, when I drove over to the field at Ramsbottom and realised they’d gone. Whoever did it knew all about handling sheep. You couldn’t round that number up and drive them all away without knowing what you’re doing,” said Mr Holden, who has a further 330 sheep and is insured under the NFU.

Read the full article here.