MORE than 100 sheep and lambs have been rustled away from farms in Dwyfor crippling local farmers with losses of thousands of pounds.

Following a recent spate of livestock and equipment thefts from the region North Wales Police Rural Crime Team recently spoke with a number of local farmers to address their concerns.

Last week between 40 and 50 local farmers joined local councillors, NFU and FUW representatives and PC Dewi Evans and PCSO Rhys Evans from the Rural Crime Team at the Ganolfan Golan near Garndolbenmaen.

The meeting was chaired by local inspector Dewi Jones and those present had an opportunity to express their particular concerns and listen to how they were being addressed.

Commenting on the meeting, Cllr Steve Churchman said: “I personally called at farms throughout the area with invitations provided by North Wales Police and to discuss the arrangements for the meeting, face to face with as many farmers as possible and I contacted the Police to arrange the meeting.

“Over 100 sheep and lambs have been stolen from a number of farms resulting in large losses for local farmers.”

At the event, PC Dewi Evans said: “The theft of livestock can have a massive impact on farming communities and we are determined to do as much as we can to reduce the number of thefts and arrest and prosecute those responsible."

Read the full story in Thursday’s north editions of the Cambrian News