FARMERS across Somerset are wondering who’s going to be next after rustlers stole nearly 500 sheep worth tens of thousands of pounds in a series of raids over six weeks.

Police fear the animals could have been stolen to order or sold for slaughter illegally.

In one raid, 150 ewes and lambs valued at £30,000 were loaded into a trailer in Langport.

Another incident saw 21 pedigree rams worth £10,000 stolen - but their value is greater when considering their breeding potential.

Livestock trucks and trailers have been taken in separate raids, although two men were disturbed trying to steal a trailer from a farm near Yeovil.

Two cows have also been stolen from a shed.

None of the animals has been recovered.

Sgt Stuart Williams, of Avon and Somerset Police’s rural crime team, said: “Anyone involved in this crime, whether they are buying animals they know are stolen or their meat, is helping destroy honest businesses and lining the pockets of criminals.

“All the thefts are being investigated, and our units are stopping and checking vehicles capable of carrying livestock day and night to check tags and paperwork.”

Police are sharing information with Farm Watch, neighbouring forces, abattoirs and markets nationwide to try to find the sheep, which could have been re-tagged and sold or slaughtered.

Supt Geoff Wessel, the force’s lead officer for rural crime, said: “This isn’t a new crime trend we’re experiencing, there are reports of rustling throughout the year, but this is an unusual level of activity.

“Whoever is doing this is determined and well-organised with a good knowledge of animal handling as well as the means to store or dispose of the animals they’ve stolen without anyone noticing.”

A victim who wants to remain anonymous said: “It’s sickening what these mindless thieves do. The sheep have probably suffered in transit and not been killed humanely either.

“Farming isn’t an easy job – it’s seven days a week, and during the lambing season we can work up to 20 hours a day to make sure we save the lives of new-born lambs.

“To see all that cruelly taken from you makes you feel like giving it all up.

“We now have to drive round every day, with our hearts in our mouths, wondering what has been stolen overnight.”

NFU Somerset county advisor Matthew Uren said: “We’d urge farmers to be vigilant.

“If unfamiliar vehicles are loading livestock on a neighbouring farm, please get in touch with the livestock keeper to make sure the vehicles are there legitimately.”

Anyone with information about the thefts should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111 or call 999 if a crime is in progress.