The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is appealing for information after 12 cattle and a cattle trailer were stolen from a farm last night.
The cattle were stolen from a farm at the Ballynagarve Road, Magherafelt in Derry, the PSNI confirmed.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said that they received a report that sometime between 9pm last night (Tuesday, March 15) and 7am this morning (Wednesday, March 16) the livestock and Ifor Williams trailer were taken.
The PSNI is now appealing for information regarding the theft. If you can help please call the PSNI on 101 quoting the reference number 25216316.
Earlier this year, 30 calves were taken from a farm in Co. Tyrone.
It is understood that they were taken from a farm in the Castlebane Road area of Castlederg near Strabane in the county.
There has been an increase in cattle rustling in the past number of years on both sides of the border.
The Gardai advises that community spirit can be a very valuable tool with farmers being vigilant and looking out for each other.
In some cases, perpetrators will try to integrate the stolen cattle into their own herds. Also, farmers should be vigilant buying cattle and ensure that documentation is filled out properly.
The Gardai also advise farmers to take note of strange vehicles and so on, which can prove very beneficial in Garda investigations.
Access should be restricted to your yard; install gates and fix them to a sturdy concrete or metal post and keep them locked.