POLICE are appealing for information after five Dutch Spotted ewes were stolen from the Teignbridge countryside.

The sheep are believed to have been taken from the Scorriton, Buckfastleigh and Holne area on September 6, with the theft thought to have happened between 1pm and 5.30pm.

Devon and Cornwall Police is asking anyone who was in the area during that time to come forward with any information that could help identify those responsible.

Officers are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who saw suspicious vehicles, people or activity in the area that afternoon.

They are also asking members of the public to get in touch if they have information about where the five sheep may currently be.

The investigation is being carried out by the force’s Rural Affairs Team, which has urged people not to assume that something they noticed was unimportant.

Even a seemingly minor detail could help officers establish what happened and potentially recover the missing animals.

Livestock theft can have a serious impact on farming families, both financially and emotionally.

Police are reminding farmers to remain vigilant and take steps to make their livestock and property less vulnerable to theft.

Regularly checking animals, keeping accurate records and making sure livestock are correctly identified with official tags and markings can all help.

Farmers are also encouraged to secure gates with robust locks and consider installing CCTV and appropriate lighting around livestock handling areas and access points.

Police say communication between neighbouring farms can also be valuable, particularly when suspicious activity is reported.

Local farming communities could consider using group chats to share information and warnings quickly.

Anyone who may have information about the stolen sheep is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police via its website or by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 50260268649.