TWO sheep have been stolen from farmland in Frankley Green where one lamb was found bound and in some distress on Tuesday (April 14).

A two-day-old calf was also stolen from a farm building in Chaddesley Corbett and was reported to police earlier today.

Natalie Lowe, Rural and Business Crime Officer said: “We have seen an increase in the number of reported thefts of livestock around the North Worcestershire area over the last few weeks.

"While we are working closely with colleagues at Warwickshire Police and West Midlands Police to try and identify offenders we would also like to ask for the public’s help – especially those in rural and farming communities.

Police have advised people to follow simple steps which includes checking boundaries of fields and farm yards, checking on any livestock near roads more often and to consider setting up a watch scheme with neighbours.

People who witness any suspicious activity can report this to the police on 101 or via the online service - https://www.westmercia.police.uk/

Natalie Lowe added: “I would like to reassure the farming and rural community that we take these offences very seriously and an investigation has been launched combined with targeted patrols in this area.

"If anyone saw anyone acting suspiciously near to the fields and farmland in Chadwich on Tuesday 14 April please call us on 101 and quote crime reference number 22/31489/20.”