Rustle of money brings thieves out

Cattle rustling is making a comeback as high stock prices attract rural thieves.

Three thefts were reported to the Ngaruawahia police this week, including one in which 13 calves were stolen on Saturday night.

Prices for dairy calves suitable to be raised as beef cattle are now as high as $120 a calf - almost double last year's price - and farmers are being urged to tighten security on their stock.

Last year, the average price for a four-day-old calf was around $75, and people rearing them received about $250 at weaning.

This year, calf prices are high because demand is outstripping supply.

Some buyers are paying up to $135 a calf delivered to their property, and the reared animals are expected to fetch up to $370.

One farmer at Horsham Downs, 13km north of Hamilton, who did not wish to be named, said three of his calves had been stolen.

Two of his neighbours had lost 10 calves and a trailer to thieves on the same night.

Waikato Federated Farmers president John Vincent, of Okoroire, said farmers should keep an eye out for strange vehicles.

"They should watch out for trucks or cars with trailers that are picking up stock from calf pens."

For convenience, some farmers pen their calves near the farm gate to give easy access to meat company vehicles.

Mr Vincent said farmers should consider installing a security system, which would warn when vehicles entered their properties.

Calf buyers should also ensure they were buying stock from legitimate sources.

NZPA