NORTH Yorkshire Police is warning farmers to be vigilant after a rise in the number of sheep thefts across the county.

Since mid-September, 228 lambs and sheep have been reported stolen from farms near Skipton, Settle, Fewston, Kirkbymoorside and Thornton Le Clay.

The targeted breeds include Continental, Texel, Suffolk, Swaledale and Lonk sheep, as well as pedigree Beltex ewes.

Sergeant Martin McLachlan, wildlife crime co-ordinator, said: “I am asking farmers to make sure that they make regular checks of their livestock.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously or unusual vehicles in or around fields containing livestock, I urge you to contact the police immediately. We would far rather attend and not be needed than miss the opportunity to arrest and deter criminals from offending.”

And he added: “We are also keen to speak to anyone who may be offered meat in suspicious circumstances and ask them to get in touch straight away.”

Meanwhile police are urging farmers to take a few simple steps to deter thieves. These include making regular checks, ensuring hedgerows and gates are in good repair, fitting capping hinges to gates so that they cannot be lifted off and securing gates where possible. For more information, visit northyorkshire.police.uk/farmsecurity.

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour in the countryside should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass the details to the Force Control Room.