Police are encouraging locals to report rural crimes as quickly as possible following the theft of sheep from a field in Lochwinnoch.
Between April 4 and 5, 76 sheep were stolen from a remote field on Linthills Farm.
Now police are urging such incidents to be reported immediately to give Police the best opportunity to identify those responsible.
They have also issued a list of the types of crimes that are classed as rural and what locals can do if they see something suspicious.
Considered as rural crime are all thefts involving vehicles, machinery, equipment, fuel and livestock.
Break-ins to farms, homes and business premises as well as vandilism to property and crops also fall in to the rural category.
In addition crimes against livestock and other protected animals also include livestock worrying by dogs.
Anyone with information in relation to the stolen sheep are being asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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