Guyra Sale Yards have been targeted by thieves over the last few weeks with a small number of sheep taken from pens after the sale has been conducted. The sheep have gone missing prior to being transported from the sale yards.
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Rural crime investigator Gavin Berry said that nine sheep have been pilfered from the yards over three consecutive sale days.
The sheep were mixed gender and mainly fat lambs, valued at $150 each.
“It appears the thieves are simply picking up the lambs and taking them up to two or three at a time, to a waiting vehicle,” officer Berry said.
Guyra Associated Agents president Mark Atkin said the thefts had forced the yards to lock the premises at night, with a key given to loading trucks that needed to pick up livestock after hours.
There has been a rise in reports of stock theft over the past three months, which has been attributed to a rise in prices following good rain.
Investigators from the New England Rural Crime Unit are keen to speak with any person who may be able to assist with any information in relation to the stolen sheep or any person who has been sighted acting suspiciously in or around the Guyra Sale Yards.
Officer Berry said the maximum fine for livestock theft was a 14-year jail sentence and urges any witnesses to contact him on 6722 0530.
