NFU highlights the issue of rural crime after sheep theft

THE National Farmers' Union (NFU) has spoken out on the 'huge' issue of sheep theft for farms in Cumbria.

Police have launched an investigation after 25 sheep were stolen from a field between Appleby and Maulds Meaburn on March 6. Cumbria Police said that the sheep have a blue mark on their side.

Sheep theft, also known as sheep-rustling, often leads to the animals being sold on the black market.

James Airey, from the north-west branch of the NFU, said: "Sheep theft is a huge rural problem. The price of sheep for the last couple of years has remained high in both the fat market and the breeding sector.