POLICE have issued a warning about the theft of sheep – many of which end up "hidden in plain sight" – after a suspected stolen flock was found in North Yorkshire.

A flock of about 65 head, a mixture of sheep and goats, were found in the Hambleton area earlier this month. They had been placed in a field unknown to the landowner, and are believed to be stolen.

A 54-year-old man from Middlesbrough was arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft and possession of cannabis. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Inspector Jon Grainge, of the force’s rural taskforce, said sheep were sometimes stolen in ones or twos and sometimes in trailer loads.

“Some will be destined almost immediately for the illegal meat trade, while others are ‘hidden’ in open view in fields and barns across a wide geographic area,” he said.

“The difficulty with the nature of this crime is that it is not necessarily immediately obvious to farmers, who may only be able to identify their shortfall at the time of bringing sheep in to scan or to worm, which often gives a very wide timeframe for us to work with.

“Lines of enquiry are limited, and this is where we need the public’s help to call in suspicious movements of animals, or animals appearing in fields unexpectedly.”

Insp Grainge urged anyone who has had sheep or goats stolen since lambing 2016 to contact them by email at ruraltaskforce@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, to assist with identification of the recovered flock.

He added: “There are likely to be many similar fields across North Yorkshire and further afield. If you notice anything unusual - a different person attending a flock, or offers of sheep or goats for sale either for meat or as stores - please contact us.”