Sheep carcasses continue to be dumped in paddocks and on the side of rural roads in Hastings. Livestock thefts and rural burglaries are also on the rise at Flaxmere, police said.
Sheep carcasses and offal is still being dumped around the area, Flaxmere Community Constable Greg Andrew said. "The remains indicate to us that stolen meat continues to be traded and sold around the Hastings area. This has a huge impact on farmers and their businesses."
It costs the Hastings District Council between $100 and $300 to clean up the remains of each slaughtered animal. It was a "huge, unnecessary" cost to ratepayers, he said.
There had also been a spike in burglaries of rural properties in the Flaxmere area. Thieves have been targeting household electronics, chainsaws, motorbikes, shearing equipment and firearms, he said.
"We urge anyone living on a rural property to make sure their houses and sheds are locked up when no one is home, consider installing a burglar alarm if you haven't got one and keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour in your area. We need to be told straight away if you see any person or vehicle that looks out of place or is acting suspiciously.
