More than 5,500 sheep worth an estimated $1.7 million have been stolen from a property near Blackall in Australia’s Queensland. AgForce general president Shane McCarthy says it is likely the sheep went over months, not in a single raid.

“It’s probably, unfortunately, a record. We don’t like setting those types of records,” he says.

He says higher sheep and cattle prices are driving a rise in stock theft.

Recent data suggests more than 90% of NSW farmers experience crime, yet only about 30% of livestock theft is reported to police.

“Sometimes they probably don’t notice small numbers going.

“Shame might come into it a little bit too.”

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