Merinos ewes and lambs have been stolen at Logan. File photo.

VICTORIAN police are investigating the reported theft of sheep and lambs valued at about $140,000 from a farm at Logan west of Bendigo.

Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives, with the assistance of the Farm Crime Coordination Unit are investigating the theft of about 700 sheep in Logan.

It is believed that 197 Merino ewes with purple ear tags (2020 drop) and 493 white Suffolk Merino Cross lambs with red ear (2022 drop) tags were stolen from a farm on the Gowar-Logan Road, between 21 October and 1 February.

The missing Merino ewes are valued at about $139,000 and were in full wool at the time of the theft.

Investigators believe that the stock may have been transported interstate. To transport such a large number of livestock, investigators believe the offenders would have needed to use at least two four-decker trucks if the thefts occurred on one occasion.

Police said it is thought that the offenders would have also needed to utilise a significant amount of portable fencing, as well as sheep dogs to round up the livestock.

Property owners did not notice the sheep missing from the property until 1 February, as the last full stock count occurred on 21 October 2022. Police were notified as soon as the missing sheep were noticed.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Source – Victoria Police.