Oxfordshire farm sheep theft: Clarkson reports 11
Oxfordshire farm sheep theft: Clarkson reports 11
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Key Points
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Thames Valley Police said the raid is suspected to have happened within the “last 10 days,” and Clarkson discovered the loss while counting only 16 of his 27 Easycare sheep.
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Clarkson estimated the stolen flock was worth about £2,000 at market, but the reporting noted the ewes “could be worth up to £8,000 if they were sold for meat.”
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Clarkson said he searched for evidence and found “no other explanation” after checking the woods and neighbouring land—“no sheep droppings” in the woods and not on the neighbouring farm.
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In detailing the call to police, Clarkson told The Sun he had to get through “700 hours of recorded messages” before reaching an operator, who then specifically referenced watching the show (“Oh, not your Easycares”).
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Clarkson said the theft was particularly upsetting because “You can’t ever form a bond with a sheep,” adding that “They were happy here” and that it is “awful” for anyone whose animals are stolen.
Jeremy Clarkson discovered 11 Easycare sheep stolen from his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire after counting his flock with Clarkson's Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper. The theft, suspected to have occurred within the last 10 days according to Thames Valley Police, left Clarkson with just 16 of his original 27 sheep. He estimates the missing animals are worth more than £2,000 at market, though they could fetch up to £8,000 if sold for meat.
Clarkson reported the incident to police and publicly urged the thief to "put them back." He suspects the raid happened at night or during a break in filming, noting that a film crew and drone are often present on the property. While Clarkson does not believe he was personally targeted, he acknowledged that the show may make his farm a more likely target for thieves than others in the area.
How Clarkson Discovered the Theft
Clarkson counted his flock and immediately noticed something was wrong. He expected to find 27 sheep but only located 16. Thames Valley Police said the theft likely happened within the last 10 days, though an exact window remains unclear. Clarkson searched nearby woods and a neighboring farm for any sign of the missing animals, finding no droppings or other evidence they had wandered off.
The Financial Hit and Market Value
Clarkson estimates the stolen sheep are worth approximately £2,000 at current market rates. However, reporting noted the ewes could be worth considerably more—up to £8,000 if sold for meat rather than as breeding stock. Easycare sheep are a low-maintenance breed, meaning they require minimal shepherding and veterinary care, making them valuable to farmers across the UK.
Growing Livestock Theft Problem Across Britain
Clarkson's loss is part of a wider epidemic. The National Farmers Union has warned that livestock theft is rising and often involves organized criminals. Stolen sheep are typically sold quickly at market or to unscrupulous dealers. British farmers face mounting losses each year from coordinated raids targeting valuable animals, particularly from farms with easy access and limited nighttime security.
Clarkson's Battle With Police Response
When Clarkson called police to report the theft, he encountered long wait times. He told The Sun he had to get through "700 hours of recorded messages" before reaching an operator. Once connected, the officer recognized him from Clarkson's Farm and even joked about the stolen Easycare sheep. Despite the delays, Thames Valley Police have now opened an investigation into the suspected late-night theft.
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