Aberdeenshire farms hit by £32,000 cattle thefts

Cows worth more than £32,000 have been stolen from farms in Aberdeenshire.

The cattle are thought to have been herded into a waiting vehicle in two incidents in the Garioch area.

The most recent took place on July 27 when up to 14 cows were stolen from a field between Monymusk and Castle Fraser at about 2pm.

In an earlier incident that took place between June 27 and July 8, six cows were taken from fields between Blackburn and Hatton of Fintray.

Police said the combined value of the cattle is believed to be more than £32,000. All the cows have visible ear tags.

Inspector Jon Millar, the local policing inspector for Garioch, said: “We are appealing for any information on these incidents which may or may not be related.

“While this type of crime is relatively rare in this area, the loss of cattle can have such a devastating and lasting impact on farmers and their families and we are working with them and the wider farming community and industry to try to identify who is responsible and where the cattle have gone.

“It is believed the animals were herded into a waiting vehicle.

“Our local officers are providing additional visibility in the area, and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to reduce the risk of further incidents.

“It is vital we speak to anyone who may have seen the cattle being taken from the field or walked along the road. I’d also specifically appeal to anyone who may have been offered the livestock or carcasses.”

Anyone with information can call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.