Police have issued some advice for farmers and smallholders after a large number of lambs were stolen in West Dorset.

According to Dorset Police, 210 Texel, Charollais and Beltex cross lambs have been stolen from a field near Beaminster, in the last three months.

The lambs were wearing ear tags with the flock number UK347813. They all have white faces.

Following the thefts, a spokesman for Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said: “Farmers and smallholders please remember to keep the gates to your livestock locked and make sure that the hinges are capped to prevent gates being lifted off the hinges.

“Block up unused gateways with tree trunks, old machinery or other heavy objects. Consider fitting wildlife or trail cameras to fields where livestock are present to detect vehicle or person movement.

Fit gate alarms which can be linked to a mobile phone. Consider fitting early warning intervention alarms that will link to your phone. Consider using livestock tracing systems.”

If you would like more information on measures available to protect your livestock or a crime prevention visit to your farm or smallholding please contact the rural crime team via email ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Dorset Police has launched an appeal to find the stolen lambs.

A police spokesman said: “Dorset Police are keen to hear from anyone with information regarding this incident. Have you been in the area and seen anything suspicious? Any vehicles with livestock trailers attached seen acting suspiciously?

“If anyone has any information about the theft or the whereabouts of these sheep please contact Dorset Police on 101, at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk quoting occurrence number 55180204397.”

Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Rural Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 783 0137 or by visiting www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk.