DETECTIVES are investigating whether a spate of Loddon sheep thefts in the past month is linked to 80 sheep taken from a property near Castlemaine.
Loddon farmers have been on high alert after Merino sheep were reported stolen from properties in the Powlett and Kurting districts and reports of suspicious vehicles in the Wedderburn district.
There have also been suspected sheep thefts between Raywood and Kamarooka.
Farmer concern was heightened early this month with reports of cold-callers asking if they had sheep for sale.
Police say they are continuing to investigate after $12,000 worth of merino sheep were stolen from a property in Strathlea in May.
“Investigators have been told four men were witnessed herding the sheep into a light-blue coloured enclosed trailer at Browns Track about 8.30am,” police said.
“The trailer was being towed by an Iveco dual rear wheel white van and the men were perceived to be of middle eastern appearance.
“Detectives are aware of a report from the Inglewood district ... and investigations are ongoing to determine whether this is connected to the incident in Strathlea.”
The latest report of stock theft came from Helen Smith and John Lamprell last week when 40 head of Merinos were reported taken from Powlett.
According to anti-sheep theft campaigner Kevin Butler, there have also been reports of dorper lambs and sheep being taken across the region.