Devon and Cornwall Police have launched an appeal after 64 lambs and ewes were taken from land close to the Halloon Roundabout between St Columb and Indian Queens. The force says the incident occurred sometime between 3pm and 9.50pm on Saturday, July 19.
What happened and what was taken
Police describe the majority of the stolen animals as Texel-cross-Roussin, with a small number of Poll Dorsets and North Country Mules also taken. Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to report suspicious activity, particularly sightings of livestock trailers, lorries or people gathering or moving sheep.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of animals stolen | 64 |
| Primary breeds | Texel-cross-Roussin; small numbers of Poll Dorset and North Country Mule |
| Reported time window | Between 15:00 and 21:50, Saturday 19 July |
Police appeal and how to help
Officers have asked anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV that could assist to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or via the force website, quoting reference 50260189691. The force is also interested in reports of a blue hatchback seen in the area at the time.
"The theft of livestock can have a significant financial and emotional impact on farming families and rural businesses."
PC Lucy Wyatt, the force's Rural Affairs Officer, emphasised the wider effect on rural communities and urged vigilance. The statement also included practical advice for livestock owners.
- Check that sheep are correctly EID tagged and that records are up to date.
- Report any suspicious activity involving livestock, trailers or vehicles in rural areas promptly to police.
- If you have relevant footage or witnessed anything unusual, contact police with the reference number above.
Local consequences and context
Livestock thefts carry both economic and emotional costs for farmers, particularly during the lambing and rearing seasons when animals represent significant investment and income. Beyond the immediate losses, stolen animals may be moved long distances or sold on, complicating recovery.
The appeal reinforces the role of local residents, farm neighbours and road users in spotting and reporting unusual activity. Officers say coordinated reporting and the use of dashcam and CCTV evidence can be decisive in identifying those responsible and recovering animals.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police as above, quoting incident reference 50260189691.
