Police in Northern Ireland have appealed for help after a spate of livestock thefts near Limavady, Co Derry, that saw a total of 129 sheep taken from two farms in October. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the thefts represent a “huge financial loss” to the victims and issued a set of practical security recommendations for farmers.
Incidents, dates and appeal for information
The PSNI reported that 85 sheep were stolen from the Drumsurn Road area between Thursday 1 October and Monday 5 October. A separate theft removed 44 sheep from the Temain Road area between 12:00 on Saturday 10 October and 14:00 on Sunday 11 October. The stolen stock were described as Lanark-type, blackface, mixed-age ewes.
| incident | location | dates/times | animals taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| first theft | Drumsurn Road, near Limavady | between 1 October and 5 October | 85 sheep |
| second theft | Temain Road area | 12:00 on 10 October to 14:00 on 11 October | 44 sheep |
The PSNI asked anyone with CCTV, dash-cam footage or other information to contact police via 101, quoting reference 1020 05/10/26 for the Drumsurn Road incident or 961 14/10/26 for the Temain Road theft. The force also gave the option of using its online reporting form.
“huge financial loss”
Practical security steps recommended by police
Alongside the appeal for information, the PSNI published a list of ten security measures aimed at reducing the risk of rural crime. The guidance covers perimeter security, vehicle safety, lighting and marking of valuable items, and suggests farmers consider both basic and more sophisticated theft-prevention measures.
- Restrict access points to yards and use locked gates or security posts where practical.
- Keep boundaries (fences, hedges, walls) well maintained and inspect them regularly.
- Install good lighting around farmyards to deter intruders.
- Remove keys and lock vehicles; secure or immobilise plant, trailers and equipment.
- Store valuable items in locked buildings out of sight; consider trailer-marking schemes and security marking.
- Physically secure ATVs with heavy chains and padlocks or immobilise them by blocking with other equipment.
- Consider tracking and immobilising systems such as Tracker, CESAR marking and other immobilisers.
The PSNI noted the trailer-marking scheme is free and advised farmers to contact their local crime prevention officer for more information. The force reiterated its request that anyone with relevant footage or intelligence contact police on 101 or use the online reporting facility.
Rural crime and livestock theft remain persistent concerns for sheep producers; the PSNI’s published checklist is intended to help reduce vulnerability while police investigate the Limavady-area incidents.
