Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious sheep rustling incident which saw the theft of 31 sheep from an Aberdeenshire Farm in the Kemnay area.
They were taken between 10pm on Sunday and 12pm yesterday from a field at Cairnton Farm to the north side of the B993, Inverurie to Kemany road, near to the entrance of the Kemnay driving range.
The pure bred Beltex ewes were in lamb, and valued at a low four figure sum.
Investigating officers are keen to trace a 4x4 vehicle with trailer attached which is believed to have been used.
PC Sam Goldie said: "This incident will be of great concern to local farmers and as such they are asked to be extra vigilant with their livestock. It is believed that the theft would have occurred sometime during the hours of darkness on Sunday March 8. Anyone who may have been in the area and seen any activity should contact the police immediately."
Insurers NFU Mutual have identified livestock rustling as an emerging crime across the UK, with over 4,200 animals, mainly sheep, reported stolen in Scotland in 2013 alone.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or has been offered any Beltex ewes for sale without the appropriate paperwork is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.
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