Perth and Kinross farmers warned to be alert following an increase in livestock thefts

It has emerged criminals have been posing as shepherds and livestock workers to gain access to farm animals

Perth and Kinross farmers are being warned of criminals posing as shepherds or farm workers to gain access to sheep and cattle following one of the biggest livestock thefts in the UK.

The high value theft - understood to have been somewhere in North Perthshire - comes as part of an increase in livestock thefts in Perth and Kinross.

There has also been a surge in rural house break-ins and thefts in Perth and Kinross over the past month with several arrests made.

Concern about a recent spate of crimes in rural areas was raised following a presentation by Police Scotland on Preventions, Interventions and Partnership to Perth and Kinross Council's (PKC) Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee on Wednesday, October 2.

Highland Perthshire councillor Mike Willamson asked about recent sheep, cattle and farming equipment thefts and "what work was being done to try and mitigate that".

Police Sergeant Allan Neary said: "I'm aware of the high value theft we had recently with the theft of livestock which I understand is a really high value compared to the rest of the UK.

"Thankfully we escalated that, we got a male arrested."

He added: "Enquiries are ongoing with CID looking at financial work and telecoms work trying to put together a case against that individual for that one."

And farmers are being warned to be on alert for thieves posing as shepherds or livestock workers.

PS Neary told councillors: "There's obviously a lot more work we can do on messaging so we have got the National Farmers' Union to send out some messaging to their members on employment of people who might portray themselves as shepherds or livestock workers who are trying to gain access to sheep.

"It's still a part of ongoing work in relation to rural theft and that's what we're hoping to do through our visitor rangers and wardens is feed back information and concerns and using our messaging services through NFU and social media to try and engage with farmers."

Kinross-shire councillor Dave Cuthbert said there had been a lot of concern raised about rural crime in his area and asked if there was an uptick.

PS Allan Neary said: "There has been a slight peak in relation to house break-ins and attempted thefts and thefts of motor vehicles recently and there are still ongoing enquiries.

"Over the past three/four weeks there had been a slight peak in the north and south of Perthshire targeting rural properties and quad bikes. CID have taken all of those on and there has been a massive detection rate in relation to three different groups having been involved, not linked together but I believe more opportunistic. In terms of maybe the financial climate we're in, there's going to be that sort of expected rise with people trying to commit crimes to make money."

Following Wednesday's meeting, a Police Scotland spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We are aware of an increase in reports of livestock theft in the Perth and Kinross area.

"We recognise the significant and devastating impact that rural crime can have on local businesses and the livelihoods of those living and working in our rural communities.

"Officers continue to liaise with partners to help safeguard those affected by rural crime and carry out enquiries where concerns are raised.

"We also thank members of the public for their assistance in reporting these matters and ask that anyone with any information on rural crime to contact police via 101 as soon as possible."

At the end of August a theft of around 20 ewes and 20 lambs was reported from a farm near Fossoway. It is thought the sheep were stolen some time in July and were worth about £5,400. As of Thursday, October 3 no arrest had been made for that crime.

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