Sheep farmers on the West Coast are on the lookout for rustlers after a reported increase in animal thefts. Farmers believe tougher economic times may be the reason for the increase reports The Press."I have heard in the last 12 months there has been an increase in sheep and lamb disappearing," Federated Farmers West Coast president Basil Meyer said. Rustlers were either herding sheep into the back of vehicles, or shooting them and taking away the carcasses, Meyer said. It was possible thieves were using the recession as an excuse. "Some people may see livestock in a paddock as a ready source to supplement their food," he said. "But we always have people who think they have got more rights to your property than you do." It was difficult to catch rustlers in the act on large farms during nocturnal raids. However, Meyer had a clear warning for rustlers. "I wouldn't be surprised that if any of these people get caught, they will be happier if the police catch them first," he said. Enraged farmer Kathy Lynch said she had four lambs taken from her 54ha farm at Rimu, near Hokitika, in January. Near the beginning of March another two stud hoggets were stolen. She was dismissive of the financial hardship excuse. "There's no unemployment on the Coast. Don't say it is down to the economy. They are just arse.....," she said. Kowhitirangi farmer Nelson Cook was considering stepping up security around his 1600 hectares.I believe we will have to put a person on full-time security watch. That's how bad it might get. New Zealand hasn't seen anything yet as far as hard times go," he said.
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