Police in Scotland hunt for thieves who stole £32,000 worth of cattle

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Police in Aberdeenshire are hunting for thieves who stole £32,000 worth of cattle from farms.

Three Limosin, two Simmental and a British Blue cow were taken from fields between Blackburn and the Hatton of Fintray between June 27 and July 8.

A further 14 Charolais cows were stolen from land a short distance away, near Monymusk, at about 2pm on July 27. All the cows have ear tags.

A total of £32,000 worth of livestock is thought to have been stolen.

Police Scotland Inspector Jon Millar, the local Policing Inspector for Garioch, said: "We are appealing for any information on these incidents which may or may not be related."

"While this type of crime is relatively rare in this area, the loss of cattle can have such a devastating and lasting impact on famers and their families.

"We are working with them and the wider farming community and industry to try and identify who is responsible and where the cattle have gone.

"It is believed the animals were herded into a waiting vehicle."

"Our local officers are providing additional visibility in the area and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to reduce the risk of further incidents.”

"It is vital we speak to anyone who may have seen the cattle being taken from the field or walked along the road.

"I’d also specifically appeal to anyone who may have been offered the livestock or carcasses."