Magaliesburg Police said stock theft has become a concern in their precinct and that measures to prevent these crimes need to be enforced by both the police and the community.

Community members are urged to be vigilant and help with patrolling the area with the police through neighbourhood watches,” said Sergeant Kgomotso Mogwere from the Magaliesburg Police’s corporate communication.

He explained that on June 24 a total of 112 sheep were stolen at Sluis in Magaliesburg, and through their investigations around 70 of these sheep were recovered on neighbouring farms near the N14 Ventersdorp road.

On Friday, June 16, another 25 sheep were stolen at Rietpoort in Magaliesburg, 15 of which the owner later recovered in the bush unharmed.

At the beginning of June, 16 sheep were stolen at Golden Valley in Magaliesburg. The police followed a lead and recovered all 16 sheep near Brandvlei in Randfontein.

The Magaliesburg Police arrested three men aged 18, 22 and 36, and they have already appeared in court. Their case was postponed to July.

Mogwere explained that members of syndicates cut fences and poison dogs before they remove the livestock from the farm.

Branding your livestock helps the police in their investigations,” he said.

He also shared some safety tips:

1. Brand or tattoo your livestock.
2. Do a head count of your stock every day.
3. Report any suspicious movement around your farm or property.
4. Erect a proper fence around your farm.
5. Make friends with other community members and know your neighbours.
6. Help to patrol your farm and your area.
7. Profile your employees.
8. Know who enters your farm or property.

The police are appealing to the community to help with information to trace crime syndicates by calling the Magaliesburg Police on 014 577 5136 or making use of the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111; alternatively use the SMS 32211 line and remain anonymous.