Rustlers steal 21 sheep in Sperrin mountains, Northern Ireland

The Sperrin mountains is one of the largest upland areas on the island of Ireland (Photo: Richard Semik)
The Sperrin mountains is one of the largest upland areas on the island of Ireland (Photo: Richard Semik)

Police are investigating a second theft of sheep, this time 21 sheep stolen, in the Sperrin mountains, Northern Ireland.

Twenty-one black faced horned Hoggets have been stolen from common grazing land near Moneyneena, Draperstown in the Sperrin mountains.

The stolen sheep are well marked with read heads and rumps, and are branded.

Earlier this week, police appealed for information relating to the theft of 19 sheep from grazing land on Slieve Gallion.

The Sperrin mountains is one of the largest upland areas on the island of Ireland. The region has a population of some 150,000 and is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Sheep rustling is becoming an increasing problem across the UK, farmers have said.

On 5 May, sheep rustlers stole more than 50 sheep in a raid on a north-east farm in Scotland.

In March, Police appealed for information after the theft of between 25 and 30 sheep from a field in North Yorkshire.

And in February, sheep rustlers stole almost 100 sheep, worth just under £13,000 in a farm near Falkirk, Scotland.

If you have can provide police with information about the thefts, contact them on non emergency 101.