Sheep Theft Investigation Begins After 100 Ewes Go Missing 2026

Key Points

• Stolen 100 sheep from Gwynedd become the subject of investigation of North Wales Police.
• The stolen sheep are the Welsh Mountain ewes that were taken from the mountains above Pennal, Gwynedd.
• The theft of the sheep became clear when they started gathering them on September 12, 2026.
• Over 700 sheep had been brought from the mountain for shearing on July 16.
• According to police, fences and boundaries have been checked, and they think that the sheep were stolen.
• The sheep vary in age and have ear-notch identification of the affected farm.
• Rural Crime Team of North Wales Police is appealing to those who have any information.
• Information may be provided using live chat of the force or by calling 101.
• One should mention reference number 26000794147 when contacting police.

Wales Crime (Wales Times) October 1, 2026 – An investigation has begun after 100 Welsh Mountain ewes were reported missing from mountain land above Pennal, with officers believing the animals were stolen rather than lost.

The investigation is being handled by North uk/police/">Wales Police’s Rural Crime Team, which is appealing for information from residents, farmers, livestock owners and anyone who may have noticed unusual activity in the area.

The report was first published by the North Wales Chronicle in a report titled “Police investigation after 100 sheep stolen from Gwynedd mountain area”. The newspaper reported that the Rural Crime Team was investigating the theft of 100 Welsh Mountain ewes from the mountains above Pennal in Gwynedd.

What happened to the missing sheep?

The sheep were part of a larger flock that had been taken down from the mountains for shearing before being returned to the grazing area.

According to details reported by the Daily Post, more than 700 sheep were brought down from the mountains on 16 July 2026 for shearing. After the work was completed, the animals were returned to the mountain to graze.

The flock was gathered again on 12 September. It was during that process that the farm discovered 100 sheep could not be accounted for.

The missing animals are described as Welsh Mountain sheep of various ages. The number involved has prompted a police investigation because the farm’s fencing and boundaries have been checked and officers believe the sheep were taken.

The Daily Post reported a statement attributed to PCSO Rhys Evans, who said the sheep had been returned to the mountain after shearing and were later found to be missing when the flock was gathered again.

As reported by the Daily Post, PCSO Evans said: “On 16th July 2026, over 700 sheep were brought down from the mountains for shearing and subsequently returned to the mountain for grazing.”

He added that the animals were gathered again on 12 September, when the farm found that 100 sheep were unaccounted for.

Why do police believe the sheep were stolen?

Police believe the sheep were stolen because checks of the relevant fencing and boundaries have not indicated that the animals simply escaped from the grazing area.

Livestock can sometimes move across open grazing land or pass through damaged fencing, making it difficult for farmers to establish immediately whether animals have wandered away, become separated from a flock or been taken. In this case, however, officers have been told that the boundaries were checked and that the missing number of sheep led to the theft suspicion.

The Daily Post reported that the police investigation followed checks of the fencing and boundaries. It said officers believed the sheep had been stolen rather than lost.

The Cambrian News also reported that police were investigating the theft of 100 Welsh Mountain ewes reportedly taken from the mountains above Pennal in Gwynedd.

The investigation does not publicly establish who may have taken the animals, how they were removed from the mountain or where they may have been taken. North Wales Police has not, in the information currently available, announced any arrests or named a suspect.

How can the missing sheep be identified?

The missing sheep carry the affected farm’s ear-notch identification, which could help officers and the farming community identify them if they are found or offered for sale.

The Daily Post reported that the sheep have the losing farm’s ear notch. It also explained that ear notching is a traditional permanent method used to identify flock ownership, lineage or numbering codes.

An ear notch is made by cutting a particular shape into the cartilage of a sheep’s ear. The mark can be used to indicate which farm or flock an animal belongs to. Because it is a permanent physical marking, it may remain visible throughout the animal’s life.

The identification is potentially important for the investigation because the sheep are of different ages and may be separated from one another after being taken. Farmers, livestock markets and members of the public who encounter Welsh Mountain sheep matching the description may be able to assist police by checking for the relevant ear marking.

However, members of the public should not attempt to seize, move or confront anyone over animals they believe may be connected with the case. Any suspected sighting should be reported to North Wales Police, together with the location, date, time and any available vehicle or person details.

What information are police seeking?

The Rural Crime Team is asking for information that could help establish what happened to the sheep between their return to the mountain after shearing and their discovery to be missing on 12 September.

Relevant information could include:

• Sightings of large numbers of sheep being moved away from the Pennal mountain area.
• Vehicles or trailers seen near access points or tracks in the area.
• Unusual activity around the flock or surrounding farmland.
• Information about sheep recently offered for sale or moved into another flock.
• Photographs, video or dashcam footage showing livestock transport in the area.
• Information about anyone who may have known the location or movement of the flock.

The police appeal does not state that every person who saw sheep being moved was involved in a crime. Witness information can help investigators establish the animals’ movements and determine whether any report is relevant to the case.

The North Wales Chronicle reported that the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team was investigating the alleged theft and appealing for information.

How can people contact North Wales Police?

Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police through the force’s live webchat facility online or by calling 101.

The police reference number is 26000794147. Quoting this number will help ensure that information is attached to the correct investigation.

People reporting information should provide as much detail as possible, including:

• The date and approximate time of any sighting.
• The exact location or route involved.
• The number and appearance of the sheep.
• Details of any ear notches observed.
• Vehicle registration numbers, if safely recorded.
• The direction in which the animals or vehicles were travelling.
• Any photographs, recordings or other evidence.

Anyone who believes a theft is taking place or sees suspicious activity in progress should prioritise personal safety and contact the police rather than approaching those involved.

What has been reported by other media outlets?

The available reports agree on the central facts: 100 Welsh Mountain ewes are missing from mountain land above Pennal, the animals were discovered to be unaccounted for when the flock was gathered on 12 September, and North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Team is investigating.

The North Wales Chronicle reported the police investigation and identified the location as the mountains above Pennal in Gwynedd.

The Daily Post provided additional details about the flock’s movements, including the removal of more than 700 sheep for shearing on 16 July and the subsequent return of the animals to the mountain. It also reported comments attributed to PCSO Rhys Evans and described the ear-notch marking used to identify the sheep.

The Cambrian News separately reported the investigation into the theft of 100 Welsh Mountain ewes from the mountains above Pennal.

The reports do not provide a confirmed explanation of how the sheep were removed, identify a suspect or state that arrests have been made. Those matters remain part of the police investigation.

Background: Why are rural sheep thefts difficult to investigate?

Sheep theft investigations can be complicated because animals may graze across large, open areas and may be moved between farms, fields or transport vehicles. A flock can also be spread over difficult terrain, making it challenging for a farmer to check every animal at the same time.

Permanent identification marks, including ear notches, can help establish ownership. Farmers may also use additional records and identification systems to manage their flocks, although the usefulness of any individual method depends on the circumstances of the case and the information available to investigators.

The current investigation concerns a specific reported loss of 100 sheep from the Pennal area. The police have not said publicly whether the case is connected to any other livestock thefts, and no such connection should be assumed without further confirmation.

The appeal also highlights the importance of reporting suspicious rural activity promptly. Information from local residents, motorists, farmers and people working with livestock can help police reconstruct the movement of animals and identify possible witnesses.

Prediction: How could this affect Gwynedd farmers and residents?

The investigation is likely to increase awareness among farmers and livestock owners in Gwynedd, particularly those whose animals graze on open mountain land. Farmers may take additional steps to check flocks, review boundary conditions, confirm identification marks and record unusual vehicle movements.

For residents and visitors near Pennal, the development may lead to greater attention to livestock transport and activity around mountain access routes. People may be more likely to report suspicious movements, especially where a large number of animals appears to be transported unexpectedly.

The immediate effect on the wider public is expected to be limited because the case concerns a particular flock and location. For the affected farm and nearby agricultural community, however, the reported loss of 100 sheep could create financial and operational pressure while the investigation continues.

The eventual impact will depend on whether the animals are located, whether police identify those responsible and whether any prosecution follows. At this stage, North Wales Police has appealed for information, but the publicly available reports do not confirm arrests, recoveries or charges.