A FARM in Pillerton Priors is the latest to fall prey to the sheep thefts.
Fifteen ewes and 20 lambs were stolen over the weekend from fields in Walton Lane.
There have been a string of thefts and illegal butchering of sheep in fields across Warwickshire and neighbouring counties in recent months.
Until the weekend the Shipston policing area – which the village falls under – had not had a single sheep related theft or killing this year.
Just two days before the village was targeted, 64 ewes were taken from a field near West Haddon in Rugby.
Police have been talking with farmers and have stepped up patrols.
They are gathering intelligence in a joint operation with Northamptonshire Police.
It has seen one man arrested so far after officers raided four addresses in Coventry.
Call the Shipston Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01789 444670 to share information or concerns.
NFU and Crimestoppers also have a rural crime reporting line where residents can give information anonymously including fly-tipping, hare coursing and machinery and livestock theft.
Call 0800 783 0137 or visit www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk to report crime.
