LIVESTOCK rustling - one of the most ancient of all crimes - is much worse in Cumbria than official figures reveal, experts claim.

A rural crime report shows a worrying rise in sheep and cattle rustling throughout the UK over the past year.

The shock rise in livestock theft is devastating rural communities with more than £2.5m worth of animals stolen in 2018, says the National Rural Crime Survey 2018.

Incidents are up by more than ten per cent over the past two years, with dozens or even hundreds of sheep being stolen in a single raid.

However, the crime survey suggested just 35 per cent of livestock thefts were reported.

Cumbria is one area that is consistently being targeted by rural crime gangs, according to rural insurers, NFU Mutual.

NFU Mutual senior agent, Amanda Wallbank, based in the Eden Valley, believes losses could be far higher in Cumbria than those recorded.

“I visited 10 fell farmers in three weeks and each one reported losing 20-25 sheep stolen. You work out the figures over the year. It amounts to hundreds not being reported stolen,” said Ms Wallbank.

“If the suspected losses were reported than sheep theft figures would increase hugely. It is a much bigger problem than people think,” she added.

Swaledales are the main breed that are reported stolen. “Often they are pedigree and are probably stolen to improve flocks in other areas.”

But she also believes that organised crime groups are becoming involved due to the numbers being stolen. “Fat lambs will be stolen for meat. It is a big market.”

“It is a pet frustration of mine that thefts are not reported. Talking to some farmers they don’t get round to reporting losses until it’s too late to investigate, while others say the police wouldn’t follow up anyway. But I’ve found the police very helpful. The problem is there are not enough resources.”

NFU Mutual advises anyone buying stock to check ear tags and records carefully to avoid buying stolen animals. It also warns the public that buying meat from unusual sources could mean it is rustled and puts their health at risk.

Ms Wallbank was instrumental in helping to set up Country Watch Eden four years ago, which is an National Farmers Union and Cumbria police led rural crime prevention initiative. Rural crime is devastating the farming community both financially and emotionally.We have a page on social media sites such as Facebook and we would encourage farmers to use it,” she said.

Last month 20 mule sheep were stolen from a field in Westward, near to Clea Hall, Wigton, and 24 lambs were taking from a field in the Firbank area of Sedbergh and in July 30 Mule sheep were taken from a roadside field in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Wildlife Officer PC Samantha O’Kee said: “We believe that a lot of thefts of sheep do go unreported. However, tackling rural crime is important to our officers and we would urge farmers or anyone with any information on this type of crime, to report it to us.”