Rural & Agriculture
15 August, 2026
289 ewes stolen from Lexton
BEAUFORT Police are investigating the theft of 289 pregnant ewes from a rural property at Lexton. The livestock is believed to have been stolen between May 12 and June 22, with the theft discovered on June 22 when the property’s livestock was being recounted.
Police believe 149 mixed-age pregnant ewes were taken from one paddock, while a further 140 18-month-old maiden pregnant ewes were stolen from another.
A Police spokesperson is urging anyone with information to come forward.
“Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or file a confidential report online at.”
The theft comes amid ongoing concerns about farm crime, with more than 2,693 recorded offences involving stolen livestock, burglary or break-and-enter and theft at farm locations across Victoria in the year to June 2025.
Those offences resulted in more than $8 million in reported losses to Victorian farmers.
A total of 21 offences were recorded across the Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees shires during 2025-26.
Despite the financial impact, farm crime remains significantly underreported.
Farmers and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, including people loitering around gates, sheds and paddocks, suspicious vehicles repeatedly visiting properties, unexplained drone activity, trespassing, illegal shooting and attempted break-ins.
Suspicious livestock sales should also be reported, particularly stock that appears to have been stolen, is not appropriately tagged under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), or is being offered for unusually low prices.
Farmers can also take practical steps to improve security, including regularly counting livestock, locking sheds, gates and loading ramps, installing sensor lights and CCTV, and ensuring cameras cover buildings, sheds and entry and exit points and maintaining a presence on the property by having friends or family stay at the house while away or telling neighbours about plans for an extended period of time away.
Photos and videos of livestock can also help document identifying marks and assist with investigations.
Police remind farmers that no report is too small. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should contact police immediately.
Anyone with information about the Lexton sheep theft can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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