A 69-year-old man faces serious charges after allegedly selling nearly 900 stolen sheep for over $100,000 at the Warwick Saleyards in southern Queensland. The Rural and Stock Crime Squad conducted a lengthy investigation that led to the man's arrest on October 30. He is scheduled to appear in the St George Magistrates Court on January 20, 2024.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jim Lacey, the Southern Area coordinator, noted that large-scale sheep rustling is uncommon. "Predominantly, our stock-theft cases involve cattle because Queensland is a large cattle state," he said. "This one's rather significant because of the number of sheep alleged to have been stolen and sold. The amount of money involved was in excess of $100,000. That’s quite significant for anyone making a living off the land — a yearly wage for some people, or more."

During the investigation, police executed search warrants at properties in Warwick and Flagstone Creek. They discovered a modified stock trailer and seven unsecured firearms. Additionally, they found sheep that were allegedly being unlawfully used in Mungindi, located about 500 kilometers southwest of Brisbane. Officers managed to muster all 2,800 sheep into the yards using motorbikes.

"Being able to muster at a property is part and parcel of this role," Senior Sergeant Lacey explained. The sheep have since been returned to their rightful owner.

The man has been charged with eight counts of stock stealing, two counts of fraud, unlawful use of stock, providing false or misleading movement records, and failing to securely store firearms. Senior Sergeant Lacey emphasized the importance of communication among landholders.

"If sheep stray onto neighboring properties, speak to the neighbor about getting them returned," he advised. "And if you have stray stock on your property, return them to the rightful owner. It’s not worth being charged criminally."