More than 50 sheep and lambs stolen Laxay Common grazing area from Isle of Lewis land

An appeal has been launched after more than 50 sheep and lambs were stolen from a piece of land on the Isle of Lewis.

Police said that 32 sheep and 23 lambs were taken during a grazing period between Saturday, February 12, and Monday, May 2, from the Laxay Common area.

The sheep are described as a mix of Mules, Texel, Beltex crosses, black-faced and Oxford crosses.

The animals were marked with green spray between their shoulders, along with either blue, green, red or purple raddle marks on their backs.

Police Scotland said the theft of such a large number of sheep meant “it is possible that a vehicle, such as a trailer, was used to remove them from the area.”

Constable Rick Henderson, from Stornoway Police Station, said: “Due to the number of sheep missing, it is possible that a vehicle, such as a trailer, was used to remove them from the area.

“We’re keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the theft, or saw any suspicious activity in the area. We’re also interested in speaking with anyone who believes they may have been offered the sale of these sheep recently.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting CR/18154/22. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.