**Police Launch Public Appeal After 85 Sheep Disappear From Rural Wales**
Police in Wales have launched a public appeal for information following the discovery that 85 sheep have gone missing from rural farmland in the south-mid area of the country. The livestock theft, believed to have involved careful planning and farming expertise, has left local farmers deeply concerned and prompted authorities to seek help from those in the community or anyone who may possess relevant information.
Dyfed-Powys Police revealed that the sheep, which include a blend of Welsh mountain ewes, lambs, and several shorn earlings, were taken from land covering parts of Cwm Llwyd Folds, the Cennen Valley, and Gwynfe Black Mountain. Investigators believe the theft occurred at some point between 15 May and 25 June 2025.
The police have highlighted that carrying out such a theft would likely require substantial knowledge of sheep handling and movement, as well as access to farming vehicles and equipment. As such, the force has suggested that those behind the incident may be individuals working within the agricultural sector themselves, or at least acting with the support of those who have farming expertise.
In a statement issued to the public, a Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for information following the theft of 85 sheep from common grazing land in and around Cwm Llwyd Folds, the Cennen Valley, and Gwynfe Black Mountain. The animals include Welsh mountain ewes, lambs, and shorn earlings, each with distinctive red ‘DM’ and dot markings, a red ‘8’, as well as a black ‘W’ symbol. All sheep were tagged to their specific CPH farm and flock numbers”.
The theft of such a significant number of animals from communal grazing land suggests not only a crime of opportunity but also a high degree of knowledge and planning. Police have pointed out that those responsible “would have needed access to vehicles and trailers to transport the sheep, as well as a working knowledge of animal movements and farming operations”.
Livestock theft is not just a financial blow — it also has real implications for the rural community’s sense of security. For many farmers, sheep represent both livelihood and tradition. The loss of so many animals can cause distress well beyond the monetary value, damaging trust and the fabric of rural life.
Rural crime, including livestock theft, has been a growing concern in many British farming communities. Incidents such as this often lead police to place emphasis on community vigilance and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activity, recognising that knowledge and cooperation amongst locals are often key in resolving such cases.
Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is urged to reach out to the authorities. Police have provided several ways to get in contact: via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by ringing 101 and requesting to speak with Rural Crime Officer PC 610 Jones. There is also the option of remaining anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org. Those coming forward are advised to reference case numbers 25000545221, 25000545112, or 25000543200.
Police hope this public appeal will help generate fresh leads and possibly lead to the recovery of the stolen livestock. In the meantime, the farming community is encouraged to remain vigilant, to check on neighbouring flocks, and to report any suspicious activity to authorities without delay.
As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing rural communities and the importance of solidarity in the face of rural crime.