A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a £11,000 theft in the Scottish Highlands.
Farmers and crofters across the UK are being encouraged to report any incidents of livestock theft after this incident.
Following the theft of 12 pedigree Suffolk sheep, valued at around £11,000, from the Bilbster area of Caithness at the beginning of July, a 22-year-old man this week was arrested and charged by police.
It is believed that livestock thefts are under reported, not just in this area, but across Scotland.
Farming unions and the police are urging farmers and crofters to check to their stock regularly and report any thefts as soon as possible to police.
NFU Scotland’s Regional Board Chairman for the Highlands, Jim Whiteford commented: "This arrest is a positive step in stamping down on livestock thefts across the country and has seen positive working between various organisations to come to this result.
"The swiftness of this arrest should send a message to thieves that this will not be tolerated.
"We know farmers and crofters are busy, particularly at this time of year, but we would urge them to check their stock regularly and report any thefts or suspicious activity to Police Scotland as soon as is practically possible.
"Thankfully in this case the sheep have been returned to the owner, and it is through the quick reporting and good work at a local level by all the parties involved that has had this good result."
Efforts to tackle criminality 'will not stop'
PC Willie Johnstone, of Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, said: "The farming community should be assured that our efforts to tackle this form of criminality will not stop.
"This incident demonstrates that Police Scotland and partner agencies will exhaust all lines of enquiry to track down those who commit crime in the rural environment, and highlights the important part the public play in informing us of suspicious activity.
"Reporting as soon as possible is vital to allow us to maximize our opportunities to detect these types of crimes.
"We fully understand the emotional and financial significance a crime of this nature has on the farming community.
"Members of the public are thanked for their support in sharing our appeal and providing information."
