Limavady sheep thefts: 85 and 44 sheep stolen in separate incidents

Police are investigating recent reports of sheep theft in the Limavady area in recent weeks.

A report was received that 85 sheep had been stolen in the Drumsurn Road area sometime between Thursday 1 October and Monday 5 October.

Another report was received that 44 sheep had been stolen in the Temain Road area between 12pm on Saturday, 10 October and 2pm on Sunday, 11 October.

This was a huge financial loss for the owners – amounting to thousands of pounds. Police are appealing to anyone who may have any information on the whereabouts of the sheep, or to anyone with CCTV, dash-cam or other footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1020 05/10/26 or 961 14/10/26.

Alternatively, a report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

We recognise that farming presents its own unique challenges in relation to crime prevention, but would ask you to consider the following some steps to protect yourself, your property and your livestock over the coming months:

1) Access to your property: Restrict access to your yard, the fewer ways in the better; use locked gates or security posts if practicable.

2) Boundaries: Fencing, hedges and walls should be robust, well maintained and regularly checked. Find out about alarms and the latest technology, such as point-to-point electronic beams, to protect the perimeter of your property.

3) Lighting: Good lighting helps make a farmyard both safe and secure.

4) Vehicles: ALWAYS remove keys and lock vehicles. Secure or immobilise vehicles, plant, trailers and equipment when not in use. Keep items of value in securely locked sheds, out of sight. Police operate a trailer marking scheme which is free of charge (contact your local crime prevention officer for further information).

5) Physically secure ATV’s using heavy-duty chains and padlocks or block the machine in with other equipment so that it cannot be pushed away. Consider more sophisticated options include Tracker, CESAR marking systems and immobilisers, which can help, prevent theft and help police retrieve and return recovered items.

6) Tools: Lock away hand tools when not in use not only to prevent theft but also so they cannot be used by the thief against your own property. Engrave items with house number and postcode or use CESAR.

7) Store equipment and vehicles out of sight: and mark your property using permanent marking kits or DNA solution.

8) Alarms/CCTV: Consider fitting alarms and install a CCTV system. Ensure the correct CCTV signage is placed round the perimeter of your property. Signs can be a great deterrent in themselves.Record items: Keep an inventory of items, including all serial numbers, makes, models and any distinctive damage or marks. Photograph items.

9) Livestock: Regularly check fields where stock is grazing. Keep gates (including yard gates) locked with British Standard closed shackle locks and ensure that all fixing bolts cannot be removed easily. Invert or cap gate hinges to prevent gates being lifted off to provide access.

10) Be a good neighbour: Report all suspicious activity or any form of farm theft.

For more information on rural crime prevention measures visit: https://www.psni.police.uk/ruralcrime