Community scrutiny ‘spooks’ sheep thieves into returning them to Bridgetown farm

Police suspect thieves who stole eight stud ewes from a property in Bridgetown might have been “spooked” into returning them amid intense scrutiny from the tight-knit community. The Australian Whites, which produce lambs worth more than $2000 each, were stolen from the property on March 13 while the owners were away for the weekend. News of the theft sent shockwaves through the community, but less than a week later the ewes were returned. Bridgetown police Sergeant Laura Nation said the case had sparked intense interest that might have led to the sheep’s return. “In small towns like this, it spreads like wildfire,” she said. “I think that has probably helped and spooked whoever has done it.” “They may have thought, ‘it’s only half a dozen or so, no one will notice’. There was so much attention on it in this small town — they might have thought it was too risky to sell them or keep them or whatever they were intending to do.” Sgt Nation said police attended the property and the Rural Crime Squad was also notified of the theft, but so far no arrests had been made. While the animals were returned in good health, their ear tags had been removed. “That indicates at some point the intention to keep them and move them on,” Sgt Nation said. “There had to be some sort of knowledge about how much they were worth.” Sgt Nation said stock theft was not common in the region and was “upsetting” for the owners. She said high stock prices could have been the driving force behind the theft. “People put their hard earned money, time and effort into these animals and properties,” she said. “For someone to come in and ruin that, especially in a small town like this — it’s really disappointing. “We’re a farming community and have farmers looking out and letting other farmers know. Word gets around really quick.”