Police alert: Keep an eye on your livestock

Devon and Cornwall Police are urging farmers to "be vigilant and to report any suspicious goings on". 

Police say they are urging farmers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious goings on to 999 in an emergency, or 101 on the phone or via the Devon and Cornwall Police website at dc.police.uk - Report livestock theft online in a non-emergency.

Grazing animals can be an easy target especially in remote rural locations.

The police are giving the following advice: 

• check on your animal(s) regularly
• know what stock you have, and where it is grazing at any time
• report any suspicious vehicles
• improve security around the area where the animal(s) graze
• ear tags, horn brands, freeze marking, hoof branding, tattoos and microchips can all help identify your animal(s) if they’re stolen
• in the case of cattle (cattle, bison or buffalo) you will need to report the loss or theft of an animal to the British Cattle Movement Service within seven days

Remember, a horse passport is a legal requirement. You can find out how to apply for a horse passport. 

The team have been out today in North Cornwall raising awareness with local farmers and will continue to do this throughout other parts of the two counties, but we need you to be our eyes and ears on the ground. If something wrong is going on- talk to us about it.