1115 sheep stolen in third livestock theft at Lexton farm in less than two years

Detectives from the Western Region Crime Squad are appealing for information after 1115 sheep were recently stolen from a farm in Lexton, marking the third major livestock theft at the property in less than two years.

Combined, the thefts have left the farmer more than 1,700 sheep and $175,000 out of pocket, with investigators treating the incidents as a targeted and coordinated series of crimes.

The latest theft is believed to have occurred sometime between Tuesday, 25 February and Friday, 28 March 2025.

In total, approximately 1115 Merino sheep were stolen, including:

• Merino lambs, mixed sex and unshorn at the time of the theft. These lambs had been drafted off as the 600 best of the mob and are valued at around $60,000.
• 300 older Merino ewes, aged between three and six years old, along with three rams. These sheep were also unshorn and are valued at approximately $42,000.
• 200 Merino ewes, a combination of home-bred and purchased stock, along with another three rams. These were valued at approximately $28,000.

Investigators believe a significant degree of planning and access to a large livestock transport vehicle would have been required to move the sheep, all of which were fitted with electronic ear tags.

Police suspect the same offenders may be responsible for all three incidents.

The previous incidents include:

• Between 23 July and 19 September 2023, approximately 585 mixed-sex, 12-month-old Merino sheep were stolen from a large paddock.
• Between 4 and 6 November 2023, approximately 16 Merino rams were stolen, with evidence of open gates and flattened grass found at the scene.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information about the thefts, or who observed suspicious activity in the Lexton area across February and March, to come forward.

Specifically, investigators are seeking any information including:

• Sightings of suspicious vehicles or unusual livestock movements in the area.
• Increases in livestock holdings of fine wool Merino sheep.
• Sales of low micron fine Merino wool by producers not usually associated with this product or volume.
• Suspicious behaviour involving the re-tagging of sheep or large purchases of electronic ear tags.
• Livestock consignments inconsistent with a vendor’s usual stock.
• Enquiries into pastoral land leasing for sheep agistment by unknown or unlikely individuals.

Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Constable Greg Broom, Western Region Crime Squad:

“This was not a random act – we believe this was a carefully coordinated theft that has left a local farmer significantly out of pocket.

“Moving this volume of stock requires planning, knowledge, and resources.

“We’re urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. Someone out there knows something.”

Quotes attributable to Inspector Paul Hargreaves, State Farm Crime Coordinator:

“Offending of this nature isn’t just opportunistic – it’s organised, targeted, and deeply damaging to farmers and our economy.

“Livestock theft remains a key focus for Victoria Police, and we are continuing to work closely with regional investigators and industry stakeholders to prevent crime and disrupt this type of criminal activity.

“We stand with our farming community. No one should have to suffer repeated losses like this, and we will use every available resource to track down those responsible.

“We’re calling on the farming and transport sectors to stay alert – whether it’s sudden increases in livestock numbers, unexpected wool sales, or suspicious land leasing enquiries. Even a small detail could help solve this case.”

Media Unit

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