Police warn farmers and consumers to be vigilant, following reports of spike in theft of cattle and goats

November 7, 2026

Farmers are being urged to be vigilant, following reports of a spike in livestock theft, particularly for cattle and goats, as the yuletide season approaches.

Police are also warning consumers to exercise caution when purchasing beef, mutton and other meat products.

They should only purchase meat from reputable and legitimate sources and be wary of unusually low prices or suspicious transactions.

The Agricultural Protection Branch(APB) is also urging business entities involved in the sale of meat to exercise due diligence by verifying the legitimate ownership and origin of livestock before entering any transactions.

The APB said it is intensifying its operational response to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in praedial larceny, livestock laundering, fraudulent livestock transactions, as well as the illegal slaughter and distribution of stolen animals.

Persons with information relating to livestock theft, illegal slaughtering, livestock laundering or suspicious agricultural transactions are being asked to contact the police.