Stolen sheep 'packed like sardines' into van

  • Breaking
  • 24/12/2014

Gisborne police have charged two teenagers with theft after discovering 22 sheep crammed into their van early this morning.

The sheep were found stuffed into a Mitsubishi L300. Police tracked the vehicle to a Rimu St address after it was seen driving suspiciously in the city around 2am.

A search of the property was conducted and the van was found parked in the backyard.

Senior Sergeant Maui Aben says despite the 22 sheep being "packed in like sardines", they seemed in good health and did not appear distressed.

"Rustling is a major problem for rural areas - not just in the Tairawhiti area, but all across the country," says Snr Sgt Aben.

"It impacts heavily on our local communities and stock losses place a heavy financial burden on our farmers. This activity will not be tolerated and police will be coming down hard on anyone who steals stock."

The sheep are now in the care of Gisborne District Council's animal control unit until the rightful owners can be found.

Anyone who is missing sheep in the area is asked to contact police.

The two youths, aged 16 and 17, are due to appear in the Gisborne Youth Court today.

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source: newshub archive