Police launch appeal after £30,000 livestock theft

Police in Omagh have issued an urgent appeal for information following the theft of valuable livestock from a property in the Camlough Road area of Sixmilecross, County Tyrone.

The incident, which involved the theft of several bullocks valued between £20,000 and £30,000, is believed to have occurred sometime between Monday, 25th August, and Friday, 29th August 2025.

The stolen livestock includes Angus, Friesian, and Charolais breeds, which are commonly reared for beef production.

Authorities suspect that the scale of the theft would have required significant planning and resources, potentially involving a large vehicle or multiple vehicles to transport the animals.

Sergeant Morton, leading the investigation, said:

“Sometime between Monday 25th August and today, Friday 29th August, a number of bullocks, including Angus, Friesian and Charolais breeds, and estimated to be worth approximately £20,000 to £30,000, were reported to have been stolen from a property.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a full investigation into the incident, which is part of a concerning rise in rural crime across the region. Livestock theft, in particular, has significant financial and emotional impacts on farmers, who rely on their animals for their livelihoods.

“We believe that it would have taken time and potentially a large vehicle or vehicles to transport the animals,” Sergeant Morton added, highlighting the logistical complexity of the crime.

The police are now urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Sixmilecross area during the specified period to come forward.

The PSNI is also appealing for any CCTV, dash-cam, or other footage that could assist with their enquiries.

“We would also appeal to anyone with any CCTV, dash-cam or other footage that might assist with enquiries, to contact officers on 101 quoting reference 357 of 29/08/25,” Sergeant Morton stated.

For those who wish to provide information anonymously, Crimestoppers offers a confidential reporting option via their hotline at 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Alternatively, reports can be submitted directly to the PSNI through their online reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

The theft has sparked concern among local farmers, who are increasingly worried about the vulnerability of rural properties to organised crime. The loss of livestock valued at such a significant amount underscores the need for heightened vigilance and community cooperation to tackle rural crime in Northern Ireland.

Authorities are hopeful that public assistance will lead to the recovery of the stolen bullocks and the identification of those responsible. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is encouraged to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers to aid in the investigation.