We have received a report of foals attempted to be stolen from their mothers from rural farm locations within the Tavistock area between 12/04/2025 at 14:00 and 12/04/2025 at 17:00.

There are two suspects. One white male under 30 yrs old, approx. 6ft tall, slight build, unkept appearance, dark brown hair with sideburns and a thick brown beard, wearing an orange t shirt, black jogging bottoms, white socks with black slider sandals.

Male is accompanied by a white female, mixed race in appearance, under 30 yrs old, approximately 5ft 5ins in height, slim build, tied up black afro style hair, wearing a navy blue padded rain coat, blue jeans, white socks, and yard boots. 

Both seen in a silver coloured Ford Transit Van - Registration YC59TNK.

We ask for farmers and equine owners to please be vigilant for any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles present in or around your land, if you have any information please phone 101 quoting 50250091402 and 50250091383 or Log Number 204 of 15/04/2025.

We are working with farmers to reduce the impact of this crime. Prevention requires a mix of deterrents, tracking and vigilance.

Please consider these crime prevention activities to protect your livestock:
- Hinder vehicle access: Block unused access points with obstacles like ditches, boulders of locked gates.

- Secure loading areas: Ensure sheep, horses or livestock can't be easily herded into a vehicle near a roadside.

- Mark sheep/livestock clearly: Make it easy for police to identify stolen sheep / horses

- Know who's on your land: Work with other local farmers to report any unusual activity.
- Report suspicious sales: If you hear of any sheep, horses, or livestock being sold cheaply without proper documentation, alert the police.                        

- Keep regular head counts: Count sheep and horses daily, especially in high-risk areas.
- Detailed records: Maintain up to date records with photos, distinguishing marks and ID numbers.
- Secure perimeters: Check fencing regularly for weaknesses or gaps where thieves could gain access.