23 cows and calves stolen from Cornish farm

Police investigate disappearance of dairy cattle in Bodmin

Ten cows, each with a calf, and three heifers were reported missing from Lower Bodiniel Farm in Bodmin last week (Getty Images)

A herd of 23 cows and calves has been stolen amid an increase in the number of livestock thefts in recent weeks, say police.

The dairy cattle disappeared from a farm in Bodmin in Cornwall sometime last week and have not been seen since.

It was initially thought the Jersey cows could have wandered off into woodland or had been moved into field for safety.

However, on Monday Devon and Cornwall Police said they believed the cows had been stolen using a livestock transporter.

Rural officers said they had recently seen “higher than average incidents of livestock thefts” across both counties — although the majority involved sheep. It is not clear whether the rise is related to the lockdown.

“Thefts of sheep are reported to us from time to time but it is particularly unusual for cows to go missing,” said PC Chris Collins, rural affairs officer for Cornwall.

“Our initial enquiries, and efforts by the farmer to locate his animals, have led us to believe that the cows were stolen, rather than being lost.

“Dairy cows are more used to being moved around than beef cattle, so if they were taken, they would probably have been quite amenable when loaded onto a transporter.

“The loss of so many animals has had a significant financial impact on the farmer.

“We appreciate the public’s support and would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the cows going missing and may have any information which could assist our enquiries, to get in touch.”

The stolen cattle, including 10 cows, each with a calf, and three heifers, went missing from Lower Bodiniel Farm sometime between 10am on Wednesday 29 April and 10.30am on 30 April.

“We’re seeing higher than average incidents of livestock theft across both counties,” said fellow rural officer PC Martin Beck. “The majority of thefts are sheep. If you have any info on unusual livestock movements, suspicious livestock adverts, or illegal slaughter please let us know or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”