Two men charged with stealing almost $100,000 worth of sheep from a Calleen (West Wyalong) property and removing their National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) ear tags have appeared before the West Wyalong Court on May 26.
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On March 31 2016, 609 head of Merino lambs were stolen from a property located on Cattle’s Lane, Calleen, West Wyalong before being transported to another property on Merrengreen Road, Calleen.
Inquiries made by NSW Rural Crime Investigators led to the execution of a search warrant at a West Wyalong property on April 1 2016 .
After conducting a muster of the property, 609 Merino lambs – valued at $100,000 – were seized as exhibits.
A total of 339 of the Merino lambs were found to have their National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) ear tags removed. The livestock have since been returned to the owner.
During the muster a further 397 head of sheep were impounded by an external agency and ownership is yet to be determined. Noel Grintell, 85, pleaded guilty to both charges and was given a two year good behaviour bond with $2500 compensation ordered to the victim. Jeffery Bolte, 65, plead guilty to removing a livestock identification device (NLIS ear tags) and not guilty to being an accessory after the fact to stealing of 609 sheep.
He will reappear at West Wyalong Local Court on the June, 30, 2016. Rural Crime Police encourage the farming community to be vigilant of unusual activity around rural areas. This incident also places the importance of using appropriate methods of livestock identification such as registered ear marks.
Police urge the rural community to report all forms of Rural Crime to your local Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
REPORTING RURAL CRIME: Rural crime costs millions of dollars every year.
Theft of livestock, produce and equipment, illegal shooting, trespassing and other crimes affect people's livelihood and well-being. With a state-wide network of experienced and dedicated Rural Crime Investigators, we can work with rural communities to prevent and solve these crimes.