Fifty lambs stolen from a field in Derry, while a significant number of sheep taken from Antrim farm

Current high prices for sheep and lambs is likely driving an increase in thefts, with two reported in recent days in Co Derry and Co Antrim.

The latest theft of a significant number of sheep happened over the weekend, with the owner reporting they were taken some time between 12 noon on Saturday and 9am Sunday morning.

This followed the theft of 50 lambs from land near Claudy on Thursday 25th January during the night or early morning on Friday 26th January.

The thieves would have needed large trailers to transport the animals from the farms.