Federated Farmers is warning rustlers and poachers that eyes in the rural community are wide open for suspicious activity. Something rammed home to poachers after they were caught by a farmer in the Te Puke area.
"Perhaps the big lesson I learned, is not to leave your mobile phone on the kitchen table," says Rick Powdrell, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairperson.
"As the matter is before the courts I cannot go into the precise details. That said, I was working late on the farm and spotted someone jumping the fence. You can say that got my attention.
"When that person saw me they pulled up a hoodie and skulked away. When I got closer, I found one of my ewes had been tied up.
"I cut the ewe free and shot back to the house to call the Police. If only I had my mobile phone I thought.