Website tracks stock thefts

A Northland farming representative is encouraging those whose stock has been stolen to report it on a new website so the industry can identify hot spots.

The call comes after 86 sheep were stolen from Far North Te Paki Station and another 24 were taken from a neighbouring farm late last month.

Federated Farmers Northland Provincial president, Roger Ludbrook, said farmers needed to support "Stop Stock Theft", this country's first ever online map designed to report and track suspected stock theft.

Stock rustling reportedly costs the country $120 million a year.

Mr Ludbrook said beef and sheep farmers were already struggling with the high NZ dollar and difficult market conditions meant stock theft was just another blow to rob them of vital income.

"I find the crime abhorrent because it's so damaging to farmers and soul destroying. Sheep farming is pretty marginal at the best of times. Thefts like this have a real impact."

The website allows victims to report things such as when and where the theft took place and what was taken as well as gives a voice to those in isolated rural areas who may feel intimidated.

"I think farmers have to get involved in this. It's not a big effort to get online and report rustling. It will allow the trends and hot spots to be identified and for farmers to know what is happening in their area," Mr Ludbrook said.

Meanwhile, Geoff Crawford was trying to track down his 86 ewes that have disappeared from the land he leases at Te Paki Station, near Cape Reinga.

The theft was discovered this week when the ewes were shifted to another paddock. Houhora's police officer urged anyone with information to contact her.

How the sheep were taken away was not immediately obvious as there was no blood or tyre marks in the paddock. But police say the sheep were stolen to order and may have been taken out of Northland.

The new website is a joint initiative with Crimestoppers NZ.

Late last year, two people on the East Coast were convicted of rustling 160 sheep. For further information see the website: www.agrihq.co.nz/home/livestock-theft.