Operation Foldyard - livestock theft training

Whilst often overlooked in comparison to other rural crimes, livestock theft cost UK farmers an estimated £3.4 million in 2024 alone.

Livestock are particularly vulnerable due to their rural environments, which provide opportunities for theft without immediate detection. The rising market price of meat has further incentivised thieves, making each animal a lucrative target.

The financial impact extends beyond just the market value of the stolen animals. Lost livestock also means lost breeding potential, potential harm to genetic lines that farmers have cultivated over generations, and indirect costs such as higher insurance premiums.

For some farmers, the loss of even a small number of animals can be financially destabilising. Beyond the economics, the emotional toll of losing animals that are often cared for over years compounds the impact, making it a multifaceted issue.

While cattle, pigs, and poultry are all potential targets, sheep are the most commonly targeted species, with figures from the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) suggesting that sheep and lambs represented around 70% of all livestock stolen in 2024.

The NRCU has launched “Operation Foldyard” which, as well as improving information and intelligence sharing between partner agencies, will see the police encouraged to develop a greater understanding of livestock farming, including learning about traceability and movements.

Martin Beck, Police National Livestock Theft Coordinator at the NRCU said, “Livestock theft is no longer about single animals being stolen – it can be a highly organised crime involving 50 or more animals being taken in one raid or over time. It can have a devastating effect on farming businesses.”

“Some thieves who steal livestock do so with the intention of passing animals off as their own before disposing of them through legitimate livestock auctions and slaughterhouses. But there are also horrific examples of animals being butchered in fields and concerns about the meat then finding its way into the food chain.”

“The NRCU is supporting forces around the country to develop tactics to identify theft and those responsible”.

Organised by local CLA farmer member and farm watch co-ordinator, Stuart Bell, the event helped officers to understand the motives of livestock thieves and the financial and emotional impact of the crime on farmers.

Stuart said, “The combination of isolation and large open fields makes it challenging for farmers to consistently monitor their herds or flocks, making them prime targets for theft. The seasonal nature of farming, with certain times of the year seeing higher numbers of animals in fields, may also contribute to increased vulnerability during lambing or calving seasons, for example, when animals are more likely to be kept in accessible areas.”

“It is hoped that with this familiarity about livestock, more officers will stop and speak to anyone transporting farmed animals in areas where thefts are occurring.”

The event was sponsored by York Auction Centre and Wilfred Scruton Ltd and included presentations from the National Rural Crime Unit, Animal & Plant Health Agency and East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Animal Health Officer who focused not just on the topic of animal welfare but also the impacts on bio-security, potential disease and hazards to both animal and human health.

Licences are needed to transport animals around and illicit movements could lead to disease transfer between areas and the wiping out of entire herds. Meat which has been butchered in unhygienic conditions and may be from animals which have received medical treatment both undermines welfare standards and also poses a risk to human health.

Sgt Kevin Jones who leads the Humberside Police Rural Task Force said, “For many police officers, livestock theft is outside what they normally see in their daily duties.”

“Specialised training events like this help build better police understanding of livestock theft and also helps officers to support farmers who have stock stolen to better protect themselves in future”.

Livestock Marking and Identification

Ear Tagging and Microchipping:

Proper identification of livestock, through government-mandated ear tagging or additional microchipping, helps prove ownership and can aid in recovery if animals are found.

Marking:

Applying visible markings to animals can make them harder to sell illegally. This technique is especially common in sheep farming, where the animals can be sprayed with bright, distinctive colours that thieves would have difficulty removing quickly.

Increased Physical Security

Secure Fencing:

Ensuring that fields and paddocks are enclosed with high-quality, secure fencing can discourage thieves. Electric fencing, which is difficult to breach quietly, can also act as an additional deterrent.

Gates and Locks:

Strong, secure gates with locks can help control access to livestock. In some cases, farmers have also installed barriers or physical obstructions to block entry points.

CCTV Cameras:

Installing motion activated surveillance cameras which transmit images direct to mobile phones, especially in areas where livestock congregate or along access points, can provide valuable evidence if theft occurs and deter criminals aware of being recorded.

Motion-Activated Lighting and Alarms:

Lighting that activates with movement can startle thieves, while alarms can alert farmers and nearby residents to suspicious activity. Alarms that can notify farmers remotely via a mobile device can offer additional peace of mind.

Use of Technology and Tracking Systems

GPS Collars:

Some farmers are beginning to use GPS tracking collars on high-value animals. While GPS collars may not be feasible for every animal, they can be particularly effective on pedigree or valuable livestock, making it easier to track them if a theft occurs.

Drones and Thermal Imaging:

Drones equipped with thermal imaging can help monitor large areas of farmland quickly, especially useful at night or in poorly lit areas where theft is more likely. Farmers have also found drones helpful for routine livestock checks, which can help identify unusual animal movement or missing animals promptly.

Position high-risk animals out of sight

If possible, prioritising grazing sheep and lambs in fields away from roads, where they are more easily targeted by thieves, can be an excellent and relatively simple measure to reduce your risk of theft.

Community Cooperation and Rural Crime Networks

Many rural areas have farm watch schemes, where farmers work in cooperation with local police officers and community members to share information and report suspicious activity. These networks can be instrumental in both deterring and solving rural crimes.

What to do in the event of a theft

If you believe your animals have been stolen, it is vital you contact the police as soon as possible to report the crime.

Clear reporting

It’s important not to assume that the police officer receiving your report has a strong understanding of farming or livestock, so you may need to be patient and, if needed, take the time to help them understand what has happened.

Try to provide the police with as much information as you can. It can be useful to offer any thoughts you may have about when or how the theft could have occurred and to provide the police with any evidence you might have to support these thoughts.

It is very likely that the police will ask for the tag or passport numbers associated with the stolen stock.

Good record keeping and an understanding of which animals are grazing different areas of the farm can make collecting this data much easier.