By Nick Griffiths Crime Reporter

Last updated at 12:20, Thursday, 01 November 2012

Sheep rustlers have struck again in north Cumbria.

Farmers have been left counting the cost after the third raid to be reported in recent days.

Police are investigating if there are any links between the thefts, in which a total of more than 130 sheep were taken over a number of weeks at Tebay, Calthwaite, and in the remote east of the county.

They have urged farmers and residents in the rural parts of Cumbria to be alert and on the lookout for any clues that crooks are after livestock.

Officers were speaking after the latest reported raid, carried out in the last two weeks.

Inquiries are underway after 30 Rough Fell and Texel lambs were taken from land at Tebay.

Police say those carrying out the thefts would need vehicles big enough to get away with flocks.

A police spokesman said: “We would ask residents to watch out for suspicious people and unusual vehicles in the area that could be capable of carrying that amount of livestock.”

Thieves also struck at a farm at Brackenburgh, near Calthwaite, stealing 35 sheep in the last month.

Thirty Texel sheep and 40 lambs also went missing in the South Stainmore area, near Kirkby Stephen, between August and last week.

Police have previously urged farmers to join a scheme similar to Neighbourhood Watch, known as Farmwatch.

This is a network designed to share crime prevention advice, alert residents to any crimes near where they live and appeal for information to catch criminals.

For more information go to www.cumbriafarmwatch.co.uk.

Call police with any information about livestock thefts or anything suspicious on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

NGriffiths@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 12:19, Thursday, 01 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk