Lambs stolen by sheep rustlers at Perthshire farm.

CRIME: Police investigating theft of 10 Cheviots, valued at more than £400, from pen off A827, near Killin

Sheep rustlers escaped with 10 lambs from a farm on the edge of Highland Perthshire.

Police say the Cheviot lambs were snatched from a pen at a farm off the A827, near Killin.

The animals had been put there so they could be taken to market. They have been valued at more than £400 in total.

Officers are appealing to other farmers to be on their guard and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

It’s believed the thieves must have loaded the lambs into a trailer. They would also have needed a vehicle large enough to pull it.

A police spokesperson said: “We do not have any other reports of stolen or missing livestock in this area at the moment, but we would ask all farmers and gamekeepers to be vigilant and alert us to any potential suspicious activity.”

The theft happened between 7pm on September 23 and 7am the following morning.

The site is about two miles east of Killin on the border between the Perth and Kinross and Stirling Council areas.

Highland ward SNP councillor Mike Williamson said livestock theft was a growing problem across rural Scotland.

He said: “This is something that’s on the up and up and the number of cases is rising. Highland Perthshire is certainly not exempt from this, so it’s all about being more vigilant.

“We set up a community watch three or four years ago which allows farmers to contact the police and find out about preventative measures.”

Earlier this year, the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime unveiled a four-year strategy to clamp down on concerns such as livestock rustling.

Group chairman Chief Superintendent John McKenzie said: “Whilst the volume of crime in rural communities and environments is often lower than in urban locations, the consequences and impact of an incident or crime committed often has a much deeper and far-reaching impact, both on the victim and community as a whole.”

Anyone with information about the theft of the lambs is urged to call 101 or speak to any police officer.

Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

“We set up a community watch three or four years ago which allows farmers to contact the police and find out about preventative measures. COUNCILLOR MIKE WILLIAMSON

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Police are seeking witnesses and are urging farmers to be on their guard.