LOCALS are urged to be on the lookout after 110 merino sheep were stolen from a Collie property.
The crime is estimated to have occurred sometime during the weekend.
Owner Ken Woods said he had lost sheep before, but never this amount.
“I’ve had one or two sheep stolen in the past – even had a couple shot for no reason,” he said.
The front gate was rammed and bolt cutters were used to cut the padlock before thieves entered the rural property. They also caused further damage to the holding facilities.
“To steal this many sheep they would have needed heavy duty equipment, a lookout vehicle, sheep dogs and of course the truck to transport them,” Mr Woods said.
“This was a professional heist.
“They’ve rounded up the sheep from the far paddock, come in with a truck and loaded them up.”
Mr Woods had just purchased the sheep - $25,000 worth – so they are not yet fattened up.
Newly retired, he had hoped this stage of life would’ve been a little quieter.
Mr Woods expects that the thieves will keep the sheep for shearing and for lambing.
“They are young merino fine-wool sheep,” he said.
“Sadly, it’s a sign of the times.
“Someone has to have seen something.”
Anyone who may have seen any activity around Wights road in Collie is urged to contact the police immediately.
