A three-day operation, named 'Operation Meadow' to tackle sheep theft and rural crime, has been carried out by Cumbria Police following a recent series of incidents across the county.

328 sheep and lambs have been stolen from Cumbria so far this year with an estimated value of £40,000.

Operation Meadow took place at Kirkby Stephen, Cockermouth and Longtown auction marts, with nearly 200 vehicles stopped and inspected and over 5,400 sheep checked.

They checked the tagging and identity of sheep, as well as checking that documentation was in order, which is necessary for livestock being taken to an auction or moved from their holding.

Sheep trailers were also checked against stolen trailer databases, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency checked the safety of the vehicles transporting the livestock. PC Sarah Rolland, Wildlife Crime Officer for Cumbria said:

“Sheep thefts have been an issue for a number of years, and the crime is currently a big issue for the farming community in Cumbria. The financial impact to farmer’s when their livestock is stolen is hugely significant, not only due to the need to replace the stock stolen, but also because of insurance premiums.

“It is therefore important that we work with our partners to tackle this issue, and operations like these are a really positive step in clamping down on livestock thefts, as well as looking at animal welfare and movement licences.

“It was great to engage with the farming community and the feedback received was overwhelmingly encouraging. Farmers are acutely aware of the risk to their stock and equipment, and welcomed our focus on the issue. We will continue to carry out operations of this nature.

“As well as Police Constables and Police Community Support Officers, many of the police staff involved were either Special Constables or Police Support Volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming involved in events like this either through volunteering should visit our Cumbria Police website.”