Stolen Lamb Recovered from Vehicle in Welford and Three Occupants Arrested

At 7pm on Tuesday (21/04/20) a member of public called Warwickshire Police to report seeing people taking a lamb from a field near Long Marston in South Warwickshire. They were able to describe a white van being used and gave the registration.

Along with Patrol Officers and Shipston SNT, the Rural Crime Team searched the surrounding area. Within 20 minutes Officers from E-Shift stopped a Vauxhall Vivaro in Welford on Avon. The pictured lamb was found inside along with chainsaws and other tools.

The 20 year old male Driver, 18 year old female and 16 year old male passengers were arrested on suspicion of theft.

The Driver was uninsured so the van was seized. The tools were seized for us to conduct checks and determine if they are stolen. With the help of a local farmer officers identified the exact location the lamb had come from. As we approached the field a single bleating sheep near the fence set the lamb off bleating. When it was placed back in the field the two ran together and the lamb immediately began to suckle.

Following the arrest officers searched a property for further evidence. PC Kate Taylor and PC Andy Timmins from the Rural Crime Team interviewed those arrested yesterday and the team will be progressing the investigation.