A LOCAL farmer is urging other livestock owners to be extra vigilant following the theft of 21 sheep.

Guy Parry, who farms Gweniniog Farm, Llangwm in Usk, in partnership with his wife Kathleen has urged farmers throughout the county to be extra vigilant after the recent theft of several sheep on the farm.

Mr Parry said local people and farmers should take note of anything suspicious they may see happening in the countryside.

His warning follows the theft of 21 Lleyn Cross Welsh Mountain yearlings from his farm on or between July 18 and 19, but has only just raised the alarm.

Mr Parry said: "These sheep had been specifically bred for flock replacements and their loss has had a significant impact on the planned increase in our breeding flock.

"It is obviously a person with local knowledge and an understanding of farming methods who has carried out this theft as the animals were taken from a field, which is away from the main road and there were no signs of how the sheep had been taken."

Mr Parry, a Farmers' Union of Wales member, suggested that all farmers should enrol in the Farm Watch Scheme and the OWL system under which any reports of suspicious vehicles or persons can be reported and forwarded to other members of Farm Watch.

FUW Gwent county executive officer Glyn Davies said: "The theft of these animals is just the latest incident in what has been an alarming rise in rural crimes throughout the county which has been causing the farming community considerable stress as well as having a severe financial impact upon them.

"I would also like to highlight the importance of enrolling for the local Farm Watch scheme as it is only by uniting and co-operating that the whole farming community can combat the increasing spate of farm thefts."

Details of the can be obtained from Mr Davies at the FUW's Gwent County Office at Abergavenny, on 01873 853280.