Police are appealing for information after four bulls were stolen from a farm in Lancaster.
Overnight between Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th July somebody approached Bull Bank Farm in Wennington and took the cattle from the field, leaving without being seen.
While the value of the bulls has not been disclosed, an adult can cost thousands to replace.
Police are now appealing for anybody with any information about the theft to come forward.
“I would like to appeal to local markets which sell livestock to check the registration chips of cattle being brought in to see if they match any of the stolen bulls,” urged PC Ben Hanley. “I would also urge people buying livestock to be vigilant and check the tags. If anybody has any information at all about the theft then I would urge them to contact police.”
All four animals have been tagged in both ears with DEFRA registration chips: the numbers are 182413500459, 103409300635, 182075400069 and 125659500897.
Although the theft of four bulls may seem unusual, rural crime is an ongoing problem for Lancashire Police. Last month, the Farmers Guardian published statistics obtained under the Freedom of Information Act that reveal many forces – including Cumbria and Lancashire – are battling a significant increase in thefts.
In Lancashire, machinery thefts hiked up by 12 from 28 thefts to 40 during the period 1st October to 31st March 2009/2010 and 1st October to 31st March 2010/2011; and Cumbria saw the number of sheep stolen lunge from 328 to 519.
• Anybody with any information is asked to contact police on 08451 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.