Councillor warns of unwelcome sheep rustling in Caithness

A FAR North councillor has warned police chiefs about the unwelcome spectre of sheep rustling in Caithness, after prized livestock were targeted.

Willie Mackay said he was alarmed after the sheep were stolen from a farm in the Watten area last month and warned the Northern Joint Police Board the offence was at one time punishable by death because it was so serious.

“It is a serious crime which is on the increase and is a crime that one day was a hanging offence,” said Mr Mackay, who welcomed initiatives like the Farm Watch scheme and regular police patrols.

“They are targeting a prime area in Caithness.”

Police also launched an investigation into rustling in the Wick area in February last year after 17 sheep went missing.