Arabic version: الشرطة تطلب المساعدة بشأن سرقة 5,500 رأس غنم من بلاكال
According to ABC News, approximately 5,500 Dorper sheep worth more than $1.7 million have been stolen from a property outside Blackall in rural Queensland. Police said the thefts occurred between February and May this year at a property on the Blackall-Isisford Road.
The stolen livestock included Dorper ewes and rams. Queensland Police said the sheep were fitted with white National Livestock Identification System tags, and detectives from the Rural and Stock Crime Squad are appealing for public assistance.
Police are asking anyone who saw a flock of Dorper sheep matching the description to come forward. They are particularly interested in information from people who observed suspicious stock movements, livestock transport activity or other unusual behaviour in the area.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Elliot, of the Rural and Stock Crime Squad, said livestock theft remained a significant concern for police in rural Queensland. He said such theft can cause substantial financial losses and add pressure to farming businesses already facing challenging conditions.
Senior Sergeant Elliot said livestock theft investigations can be complex because they often cover large geographical areas. He said police work with producers, saleyards, transport operators and industry stakeholders to identify offenders and disrupt criminal activity.
