Thieves steal 50 pigs in farm raid

More than 50 pigs have been stolen during a night-time raid on a farm in Shropshire.

The 54 female weaner pigs were taken from their unit in the Shawbury area sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning.

A quantity of food was also taken from locked bins at the property and police believe the thieves would have needed a large vehicle to transport the animals.

Police are today appealing for anyone who saw suspicious vehicles in the countryside around Shawbury during the time of the raid to contact them.

It is thought the thieves would have been in the area for a considerable amount of time while they collected the animals and the food.

Constable Annie Hughes also urged anyone who might be offered any pigs for sale to contact police as a matter of urgency.

She said: "Some of the animals have tags in their ears but most of them don't, however whoever took these pigs will not have a movement licence to transport them.

"If anyone saw suspicious vehicles, such as a lorry, in the countryside around Shawbury during the night, I would ask them to please contact me as a matter of urgency on 08457 444888.

"Likewise, if anyone has been offered any pigs for sale, they should refuse and get in touch with the police. It is likely whoever took the animals would have been in the area for some time."

Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.