Police are urging the rural community near Burnham in Canterbury to be vigilant after 170 sheep were stolen from a farm paddock.
Sheep graze - undisturbed - in high country in the South Island (file photo). Photo: 123rf
The sheep disappeared earlier this week some time between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
Police said it was likely multiple trips were made to move the animals.
They said it was unusual for stock to be moved during the night and were appealing for any sightings.
Sheep and cattle rustlers in Waikato are selling the animals they steal on the black market, according to Federated Farmers.
Murchison police are turning to thermal imaging equipment to help clamp down on poachers.
The three strikes rule which applies to urban burglary should be applied to livestock theft, according to the ACT Party. It also wants property used in the crime confiscated.
There's been a spate of sheep rustling in Auckland's Cornwall Park over the past few weeks. Police said people had used dogs and traps to round up and capture sheep after dark.
The police are warning farmers in Akaroa that thieves who have slaughtered sheep and stolen wool from three local farms could strike again in the holiday period.
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