Two-day old calf stolen from farm in Wyre Forest

The calf was stolen from a farm building in the Chaddesley Corbett area, near Kidderminster, earlier today.

It follows reports of other livestock being stolen recently at other locations in the West Mercia Police area – including two ewes from farmland in Frankley Green on Tuesday, where one lamb was found bound and in distress.

Natalie Lowe, rural and business crime officer for West Mercia Police, said: "We have seen an increase in the number of reported thefts of livestock around the North Worcestershire area over the last few weeks.

"While we are working closely with colleagues at Warwickshire Police and West Midlands Police to try and identify offenders we would also like to ask for the public’s help – especially those in rural and farming communities.

"I would like to reassure the farming and rural community that we take these offences very seriously and an investigation has been launched combined with targeted patrols in this area."

Police are encouraging farmers to check the boundaries of their fields and farm yards, check on any livestock near roads more often – particularly those with young, and considering setting up a watch scheme with neighbours.

They are also encouraging people who see any suspicious activity in the area to take note of vehicle details including make, model and registration, if they are carrying any tools, details of animals and descriptions of people.

Anyone with information about the theft of the two-day old calf, is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101.