POLICE are warning farmers and livestock owners to be on their guard following a spate of thefts.

Incidents have been reported in Buckfastleigh, Holne and Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

On Sunday, farmers Richard and Lisa Gray found an abandoned Land Rover and trailer full of sheep on Holne Moor, with the truck still running.

The Land Rover had been stolen from Widecombe-in-the-Moor and the trailer, sheep and item of machinery had been stolen from Buckfastleigh.

On Saturday night, thieves tried to steal about 60 sheep from the Newton Abbot area.

Reports were received of the attempt to take the flock between midnight on Saturday and 0.30am on Sunday.

Police also received a report that three men in a small hatchback vehicle had been seen driving around rural areas of south and west Devon.

The driver was said to have dropped off two occupants who left the vehicle and approached and scanned rural properties on foot, looking for opportunities before waiting for them to return to the vehicle, the driving off.

Police say the two men seen were dressed in wool hats, overcoats and wellington boots.

A spokesman said: ‘We ask for farmers to please be vigilant for any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles present in or around your land, particularly overnight.’

Other locals have reported intruders on their premises during the night, caught on CCTV.

Police attended the scene.

A police spokesman said officers were currently helping the local farming community following the spate of recent thefts in the area of Buckfastleigh, Holne, Widecombe-in-the-Moor which occurred over the weekend.

The spokesman said: ‘We are aware of several reports being received surrounding the theft of sheep, vehicles and power tools from rural locations and enquiries are in hand.’

Farmers and smallholders are being urged to be vigilant for suspicious activity, people or vehicles in or around their land.

Anyone with information on the latest incidents is asked to contact 101 quoting log number 178 13/04/25.