UK: 55 Sheep Disappear in the Isle of Lewis, Sheep Theft Increased by 15% Since the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date of alert:
Wednesday 4 May 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Police Scotland
Sheep rustling has become a challenge in the agricultural and livestock industry of the UK's rural areas.
In the latest yet outstanding cases of them, 55 sheep have reportedly disappeared in the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles, Scotland, in a span of one and a half months.
The incident added to the growing concerns affecting local crofters and farmers that such rural crime has increased since the pandemic resulted in an increased demand for food.
This paved the way for a reported spike in livestock theft and butchering.
Between February 16 and April 2, suspected thieves have stolen 55 sheep from the Laxay Common grazing area in Lewis.
A BBC report mentions that the incident has already caught the attention of the local police as of Wednesday, May 4.
Among the missing sheep, includes 32 ewes and 23 unborn lambs from the said area shared by crofters for raising livestock.
