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Lexton farmer target of three 'coordinated' sheep thefts costing $175k

A Victorian farmer has become a victim to a sophisticated, coordinated farm theft attack costing him more than $175,000. Steve Wheeler has had more than 1,700 sheep stolen from his Lexton farm on the Sunraysia highway north-west of Melbourne in the past two years. In the latest heist, 1,115 fine-wool merinos were taken from his property between February 25 and March 28. They included 600 unshorn and mixed sex merino lambs that had been drafted off as the best of the mob, valued at $60,000. There were also 500 older merino ewes stolen and six prized rams valued at about $70,000. Cross-bred sheep at Steve Wheeler's farm in Lexton, western Victoria. ( ABC Rural: Jane McNaughton ) Western Region Crime Squad Detective Senior Constable Greg Broom said it now appeared to be a targeted series of crimes. "This was not a random act — we believe this was a carefully coordinated theft that has left a local farmer significantly out of pocket," he said. " Moving this volume of stock requires planning, knowledge, and resources. " Detective Senior Constable Broom said all of the sheep were fitted with electronic ear tags and the criminals would have used a large livestock transport vehicle to move such large numbers. Criminal target In 2023, Then in November that same year, the rustlers returned, taking 16 highly valued merino rams. Police suspect the same offenders may be responsible for all three incidents and are urging anyone in the area who noticed any suspicious activity to come forward. "We're calling on the farming and transport sectors to stay alert — whether it's sudden increases in livestock numbers, unexpected wool sales, or suspicious land leasing enquiries," State Farm Crime Coordinator Inspector Paul Hargreaves said. "Even a small detail could help solve this case." ABC Ballarat — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Wednesday Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe