Canterbury Police have received reports of two Akaroa farms being targeted for wool in the last three weeks and one for lamb over the last 9 months.
Approximately 12-15 bales of wool were reported stolen from a wool shed off Stony Bay Road between 6-9 December 2014. Another farm on Birdlings Flat reported 20 bales of wool were stolen between 10-17 December 2014.
Bales of wool weigh in the region of 170kg so it is possible that more than one person has been involved in moving them. It is unknown whether the wool bales were taken in one trip or if the offender(s) have visited the remote woolsheds over a period of a few days. An off road vehicle with a large trailer or flat bed truck would be required to move the wool bales.
Over the last nine months a neighbouring farmer in Birdlings Flat has been a victim of a number of stock thefts. Only a small number of animals were slaughtered each time but this has accumulated to 10 ewes and two lambs. What is particularly disturbing is that a number of the ewes who were about to lamb twins were included in those taken, resulting in 12 unborn lambs being lost. The animals were butchered in the paddock with only he heads, pelts and hocks left at the scene.
Police are concerned that the offender(s) may retarget these farms or target other farms in the wider Akaroa and Canterbury area in the lead up to the festive period and encourage farmers to padlock access gates and wool sheds to protect their assets.
Police urge anyone who notices any suspicious behaviour near farms to report it to the farmer, your local Police station (Akaroa on 03 304 1030) or the Crime Reporting Line on 03 363 7400 option 5.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This is a timely reminder for everyone to secure their outbuildings whether it’s a garage, shed or farm building and lock gates securely.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
