Police appeal after theft of 20 sheep in Ballymena as £3,500 reward offered in rural crime probe

Police in Ballymena are appealing for information following the theft of 20 sheep from land adjacent to the Cromkill Road.

The incident occurred sometime between 21 and 28 August 2025, and officers are urging the public to come forward with any details.

A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said:

“Any member of the public that has information concerning this or suspicious activity in the area between these dates please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 700 of 18/09/25.”

The latest incident comes amid an ongoing investigation into a spate of high-value agricultural thefts across Fermanagh & Omagh and Mid Ulster, which police confirmed last week.

£3,500 Crimestoppers reward now available

In a fresh bid to gather information, independent charity Crimestoppers has announced a £3,500 cash reward for details that lead directly to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed:

“From today, Wednesday 17 September, a reward of £3,500 is available for information given directly to the charity that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible.”

Chief Inspector Scott Fallis urged people with knowledge of the thefts to use the service:

“We hope this cash reward will encourage those with information about recent thefts of items including quad bikes, to tell Crimestoppers what they know.

“Crimestoppers is completely independent of the police and the reward is paid directly by them. The charity guarantees that everyone who contacts them stays 100% anonymous.

“The reward will be offered for a period of three months and I would urge anyone with knowledge about these recent crimes to please get in touch with the charity by calling their 24/7 Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website Crimestoppers-uk.org.”

The reward is available between 17 September and 17 December 2025.

Police are continuing to appeal for vigilance in rural areas and have asked farmers and landowners to report any suspicious activity immediately.