Police issue lockdown fines to suspected sheep rustlers found in rural Sheffield

Two lockdown fines have been issued this week after a car from Manchester was found in Sheffield and suspected of being used in sheep rustling.
By Claire Lewis
Published 18th Apr 2020, 20:23 BST
Updated 24th Apr 2020, 12:15 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

South Yorkshire Police said officers were deployed to Midhopestones on the edge of Sheffield because of concerns about sheep rustling.

BLADES: Why Sheffield United skipper Billy Sharp is "proud" to lead Blades players in initiative to support NHS amidst coronavirus crisis

An old style BMW 3-series suspected of involvement was stopped near Stocksbridge and the driver was found to be unlicensed and uninsured.

A car was seized in South Yorkshire after it was driven to the city from Manchester during the coronavirus lockdown.A car was seized in South Yorkshire after it was driven to the city from Manchester during the coronavirus lockdown.
A car was seized in South Yorkshire after it was driven to the city from Manchester during the coronavirus lockdown.
Read More
The shocking response friends had for police who caught them having BBQ on Sheff...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There were no sheep found in the car but it was seized when the driver and occupant could offer no explanation for why they had travelled to Sheffield from Manchester.

CRIME: Video footage reveals extent of crime scene on Sheffield estate as police confirm stabbing

In a Facebook post, South Yorkshire Police’s operation support unit said: “We received a report of suspected sheep rustling earlier involving an old BMW 3-series coupe.

“We didn’t like the sound of South Yorkshire sheep being kidnapped so we flocked to the area to try and find the baaaaad lads.

“By shear luck, we found the vehicle driving along the A616 towards Stocksbridge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“When stopped, the driver tried to pull the wool over our eyes but we weren’t having any of it.

“The driver was unlicensed and uninsured.

“When asked why they’d travelled to South Yorkshire from their homes in Manchester: silence...ewe could’ve herd a pin drop.

“We’ll go out on a lamb and say they didn’t really have a reasonable excuse for visiting our fine county.

“As no sheep were found, we seized the vehicle, reported the driver for various offences and issued both occupants with Covid-19 tickets.

“They looked a bit sheepish as they started their long walk home.”