Thirteen pregnant ewes stolen from Claudy field

Thirteen pregnant ewes have been stolen from a field in a Co Londonderry village.

Police are investigating the theft which happened in Claudy at the junction of Kilcreen road and Altinure Road.

It was reported to have taken place sometime between 10am last Wednesday (7th February) and 10.30am on Thursday (8th February).

The ewes all had red markings on their left side.

Sergeant Johnston of Sperrin Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "The removal of these ewes would have required planning and the use of a vehicle, for example a trailer, to transport the animals away from the area. I'm appealing to anyone who recalls seeing any unfamiliar vehicles in the area, between last Wednesday morning and 10:30am the next day, to call us.

"The theft of these ewes will be of a significant loss to the farmer. Not only is there the value of the ewes and the lambs, but there is also the cost involved in rearing and farming the animals. We're urging anyone with information about the animals' whereabouts, or who took them, to get in touch. It may be a detail that you think is insignificant, but it could make a difference."

Last month the PSNI received a report of that 50 Texel and Suffolk-bred ewe lambs, with orange markings, were taken from a field on Teenaght Road in Claudy sometime between 7pm on Thursday, 25th January and 7am on Friday 26th January.

Police have said enquiries are ongoing in relation to this, including to establish if this is linked with the theft on Kilcreen Road.

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