Police are investigating after 11 sheep were reportedly stolen from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.
The Clarkson’s Farm presenter discovered the animals were missing after counting his flock along with co-star Kaleb Cooper.
Only 16 of the 27 Easycare sheep kept in a secluded field on the Chadlington farm remained, with Mr Clarkson believing the missing animals had been stolen.
Thames Valley Police’s Rural Crime Team is investigating the incident, which is believed to have taken place over a 10-day period.
Mr Clarkson said the sheep had recently been selling for around £205 each at market, putting the value of the 11 missing animals at more than £2,000.
However, the animals were intended as breeding stock and could potentially be worth considerably more if sold for meat.
Mr Clarkson told The Sun: “There are 11 that have gone missing from this field, and we think there are some missing from the other field – there are 140 or so in a field a mile or so away.
“I just sold 24 of them at the sheep market the other day, and they went for £205 each, so it’s over £2,000 of sheep gone missing.”
Impacts of rural crime remain a concern
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Thames Valley Police is investigating the theft of a number of sheep from a farm in Chadlington. The theft has occurred at some point over the last ten days and was unwitnessed.
“No arrests have been made. We would ask anybody who has information that may assist this investigation to contact Thames Valley Police.”
The emotional, financial and other impacts of rural crime remain a significant concern for UK farmers, affecting both their livelihoods and sense of security.
As part of the NFUs’ Back British Farming campaign, the organisation is advising the regular public on what they can do to deter rural crime.
The NFU is encouraging people living and working in rural communities to remain vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to help tackle countryside crime.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should not intervene but can take photographs as evidence if it is safe to do so.
If a crime is in progress, call 999. To report a crime that is not an emergency, call 101.
