Call for vigilance over sheep rustlers
South of Scotland MSP and former Yarrow Valley farmer Jim Hume yesterday called on the region’s rural communities to be on the lookout for sheep rustlers.
He made his plea after a Dumfriesshire farm was targeted by sheep thieves for a second time within three weeks.
Mr Hume, a partner in the family farm at Sundhope, said: “There has been an increasing trend in rural crime and sheep theft in particular is profitable, so these animals are a worthwhile catch for criminals willing to take the risk.
“I want people living in our rural communities to be extra vigilant as they go about their business and to notify the police if they see anything out of place – animals being transported at unusual times of the day, for example. It’s a financial loss to the farmer, but importantly there are also huge concerns for the welfare of the animals and it’s important communities come together to stamp out this awful crime.”
Thieves struck at the farm near Thornhill last month, taking 49 sheep, and a further 29 were stolen earlier this week.
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Weather for Selkirk
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 9 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
