National park becomes ‘Wild West’ as sheep rustlers run amok

• Dartmoor National Park is experiencing a surge in sheep rustling, with one farmer reporting the loss of 440 sheep last year, costing him over £50,000.
• Devon and Cornwall Police recorded at least 1,101 sheep thefts in 2023 and suspect industry insiders are involved.
• The stolen sheep may be entering the black market or being used for the illegal production of "smokies", a banned delicacy.
• Despite police efforts, including the use of drones, and discussions about livestock tracking devices, farmers are calling for more action to combat rural crime.
• In its latest report, NFU Mutual said the annual cost of livestock theft in the UK had risen to £2.7m in 2023, up 8.7 per cent from 2022.

IN FULL

Sheep rustlers turn beautiful UK national park into ‘Wild West’