Police are seeking for more information after livestock rustlers stole sheep worth £24,000 from a farm in Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire Police said rustlers used 'large vehicles' in the theft, which happened in Sharpness.
The force said the Tuesday 6 October theft was 'well-planned'.
An investigation has been launched and witnesses are urged to come forward.
A police spokesperson said: "A large number of sheep rustling (stolen lambs) has taken place from a farm in Sharpness value of loss is £24,000.
"A well-planned crime which involved a large vehicle to remove the animals.
"We are appealing for information, quote PCSO Mike Trebble /PC Melanie Campbell with any information."
Anyone with information should call 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls are carried out anonymously.
Last year, livestock worth more than £3 million were stolen from UK farms, according to NFU Mutual.
This makes rustling the most costly crime for the UK’s farming sector after agricultural vehicle and machinery theft.
How do I prevent livestock rustling?
Preventing rustling is not as easy as putting a padlock on a building or fitting a security system to a tractor.
However, there are a number of steps farmers can take to reduce the risk and technology is now providing effective ways of tracing stolen livestock.
To deter livestock thieves, NFU Mutual advises farmers to:
• Ensure stock is clearly marked and records are up to date
• When possible graze livestock in fields away from roads
• Check stock regularly - and vary times of feeding/check ups
• Consider a high-tech marking system such as TecTracer which puts thousands of coded microdot markers into a sheep’s fleece
• Join a Farm or Rural Watch scheme to share information about rural crime in your area
• Ask neighbours to report any suspicious sightings to the police, or to give information 100% anonymously to the Rural Crime Hotline 0800 783 0137
• Dial 999 immediately if an incident is taking place - do not approach criminals
