|
I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Wildlife Crime Issues, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Operation Foldyard: Police Launch New Livestock Theft Training
Police officers from Humberside and North Yorkshire came together at Sledmere House on Friday (14 November 2025) for a specialist training event on livestock theft. The session, part of Operation Foldyard, was designed to help officers better understand the crime, its impact on farmers, and the wider risks to food safety and animal welfare.
Sergeant Kevin Jones, from our Rural Task Force, said: ““For many police officers, livestock theft is outside what they normally see in their daily duties. Training events like this build knowledge and confidence, and help us to support farmers who have stock stolen.
“Livestock theft is not just about the financial loss. It can devastate breeding lines, affect animal welfare, and even pose risks to the food chain. By improving awareness and tactics, we can make a positive difference in tackling this crime.”
Figures from NFU Mutual show livestock theft cost UK farmers an estimated £3.4 million in 2024, with sheep and lambs accounting for around 70% of animals stolen. Rising meat prices have made livestock a lucrative target, with incidents sometimes involving 50 or more animals being taken in a single raid.
The event, supported by local farming and auction organisations, included presentations from the National Rural Crime Unit, Animal & Plant Health Agency, and East Riding Council’s Animal Health Officer. Speakers highlighted how stolen animals may be passed off through legitimate channels or processed unlawfully in fields, creating risks to both animals and humans.
Crime prevention advice for farmers includes livestock identification through ear tagging or microchipping, visible markings, secure fencing and gates, CCTV, motion activated lighting and alarms, GPS collars for high value animals, and the use of drones for monitoring. Farmers are encouraged to graze vulnerable animals away from roads, join farm watch schemes, and report thefts promptly with clear records and tag or passport numbers to aid investigations.
Training events like Operation Foldyard not only give officers practical skills but also strengthen relationships with farming communities. By listening directly to farmers and learning about the challenges they face, police can respond more effectively and work side by side with rural residents to reduce crime and protect livelihoods.
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.humberside.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
| 
