Sheep rustling on Anglesey is "a massive problem"

Police said that sheep rustling on the north Wales island is a "massive problem" after the thieves struck at farms in the Gaerwen, Aberffraw and Malltraeth areas stealing sheep worth �3,000.

Fifty three sheep were stolen from near the Newborough Arms public house in Gaerwen, 29 from open fields near Aberffraw and another 20 from Malltraeth in raids which took place over Christmas but have only just been discovered.

"The reports have only just come in because most the farmers don't live locally and only come back to count them every two or three months," said Constable Barry Landen of North Wales Police.

The raids would have required a degree of skill and organisation, he said. Its thought the animals would have been immediately slaughtered.

"Because of the numbers of sheep stolen, it would have taken someone who knew how to herd sheep - someone with a sheepdog and the appropriate transport i.e. a lorry."

Peredur Hughes said the thieves must know about farming

"We have been given a couple of names of those we believe may be involved," said PC Landen, adding it is suspected the crimes are linked.

NFU Cymru Wales President Peredur Hughes, who farms sheep in Llanddeusant on Anglesey, said: "There has been a spate of rustling recently and it is a major problem on Anglesey.

"What makes it worse to me is that unfortunately it's got to be one of 'us' who is responsible.

"It needs to be done by someone with farming knowledge or knowledge of the countryside.

"There are unscrupulous people out there and more than likely these sheep were taken to a slaughterhouse within 24 hours and there is also a huge market for those with lambs."

"During the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 nearly 20% of the country's sheep were slaughtered but since then their value has shot up dramatically, said Mr Hughes.

Police are warning farmers to be vigilant and are appealing for anyone with information to contact PC Barry Landen on 0845 607 1002.