A STOUBRIDGE farmer has spoken out after being hit by the theft of more than 60 sheep.

Louis Rose, who owns Prestwood Farm, has warned fellow farmers to ensure they are adequately insured amid fears the cost of living crisis is fuelling a rise in livestock thefts.

He said: “The number of sheep stolen from me suggests it wasn’t an opportunistic theft, but a highly organised operation.

“If I hadn’t been insured, I would have been forced to close the business.”

Mr Rose, whose farm was targetted in early autumn, is among a number of farmers to have fallen foul of sheep thieves.

James Treverton, of insurance broker Lycetts, fears an epidemic of sheep rustling by criminals keen to exploit the financial crisis could put farmers’ livelihoods in jeopardy.

He said: “Farmers face many risks and insuring against livestock theft is often not a priority for them. Some decide against insuring their entire herd or flock to keep premiums down, but if they are targeted by rustlers, the financial impact of underinsurance could be crippling.”