A FARMER is stepping up security after 15 sheep were stolen in Clent.

Four ewes and 11 lambs were taken from Calcot Hill Farm in the early hours of Monday, August 6.

Kevin Hammett said he believes the thieves had "expert knowledge", adding: "You can't just walk into the field and catch them - they're not the tamest. "Whoever has done this knows how to handle them."

One of the stolen ewes has since returned to the farm following a close shave in Dudley.

The ewe wandered into a building supplies yard - just hours after the theft - and when staff tried to corner her, she dived into the canal in a bid to evade capture.

She was fished out of the water and taken to Brockswood Animal Sanctuary in Sedgley, where she was kept in quarantine until she could be reunited with her flock.

However Mr Hammond doesn't think the ewe escaped.

"I think they threw her out as she wasn't in good enough condition to kill," he said.

He continued: "This is the first time we have been targeted. It has made us step back and thing 'what can we do to prevent this from happening again?'

"We're teaming up with other farmers and will get a system in place. We'll also be alarming the gates and investing in CCTV.

"We need to be more vigilant."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference 405-S-080818.