On 2 March 2019, officers were called to an incident near Wibtoft, Rugby, where seven sheep were found to have been killed and butchered in a yard (incident number 179 of 2 March 2019).
At around 1am on 7 March 2019, officers were called to a farm in Wasperton, Warwick, where offenders were disturbed but took a pregnant ewe. Officers were called and responded, investigations are ongoing. (incident number 10 of 7 March 2019).
On 9 March 2019, police were called to a farm in Gaydon. It's reported nineteen ewes were killed and butchered after being chased (incident number 110 of 9 March 2019).
It's reported that similar incidents have also recently taken place in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, and officers are linking in with border forces as part of the investigation.
Carol Cotterill, Rural Crime Officer at Warwickshire Police said: "Theft and illegal butchery of sheep is a serious offence, which can cause suffering to the animals and financial repurcussions to farmers. Enquiries are currently ongoing into the above incidents and we would urge anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity or has any information that could help with our enquiries to please come forward. We also ask all owners of livestock and residents who live near fields with livestock in to be extra vigilant and report any concerns to us. There is also concern that these offenders are chasing the sheep before catching some of the animals and this may have caused problems with the rest of the flock such as health risks to the ewes and unborn lambs.
"We are warning all sheep farmers to stay extra vigilant, particularly those who have fields in more remote locations. Always ensure gates are locked and are in good working order and stock is regularly checked and accounted for.
"Members of the public should also be mindful of being offered meat for sale in suspicious circumstances.
"If you suspect someone has attempted to target your animals, or find that you've lost livestock in this way, please report it to police immediately."
Any suspicious activity should be reported to police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.
For further advice on rural crime, please see here: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/RuralCrime and www.warwickshireruralwatch.co.uk
If you have information that you believe may be connection to this incident, please contact the Police on 101, quoting the incident number given.
Please remain vigilant around your area and report suspicious persons, vehicles or activity to the Police on 101. Thank you.
Information can also be given anonymously to the Independent Charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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