Police are investigating the theft of 19 Blackface hoggets from mountain land near Draperstown. The sheep were taken from land adjacent to Moneyneany Lane and were reported stolen on 1 May.

“Approximately 19 Blackface horned hoggets were reported missing on 1 May, however, they may have been taken anytime within the previous week,” said PSNI Chief Inspector Roy Robinson.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on the non-emergency number 101 and by quoting reference number 528 of 1.5.17. Alternatively, information about crime can be passed via the independent Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

In recent weeks, there have been cases of stolen sheep being returned to owners. A farmer in Killarney had 24 hoggets return from common land after being reported stolen the previous week.

In Donegal last month, 20 sheep stolen from mountain land in the east of the county last summer were returned to owners after DNA testing identified them from sheep sold in a mart in Cavan.

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