FIVE sheep have been returned to their owner after they were stolen from Almondsbury.

The pregnant ewes were discovered in the back of an abandoned transit van, after it failed to stop for police officers on a road in Pilning on Thursday, February 16.

While officers were making enquiries to trace the animals’ owner, a report of the theft of five sheep from Almondsbury came in.

The ewes have since been positively identified and returned to their owner, and an investigation continues into the theft.

The van was found to be without insurance and had false number plates.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Darren Warr said: “We take livestock theft very seriously and have an Avon and Somerset Rural Crime Team which focuses on tackling this and other issues affecting the rural community.

“As well as having a significant impact on farmers and smallholders there are animal welfare, health and hygiene issues which make this sort of crime a concern for the wider public.

“Criminals are not likely to follow the strict guidelines on transporting and slaughtering animals before selling them into the food chain.

"We ask anyone involved in the supply chain for meat products, especially for human consumption, not to create a market for stolen livestock."

Anyone with any information that could help enquiries can get in touch through the police website or by ringing 101, quoting reference 5217035938.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to provide anonymous information.

Information about rural crime can also be passed on by texting 81819.