Lexton farmer target of three 'coordinated' sheep thefts costing $175kBy Jane McNaughtonABC RuralTopic:Livestock Farming25m ago25 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:58pmCriminals have targeted Steve Wheeler's farm three times. (ABC Rural: Jane McNaughton)In short: A Victorian farmer has had 1,700 merino sheep stolen from his property in two years.Police say the "coordinated" series of thefts has left the farmer $175,000 out of pocket.What's next?Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.abc.net.au/news/thousands-sheep-stolen-from-lexton-farm-police-merino-rams-lambs/105237156Link copiedShareShare articleA 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 targetIn 2023, Mr Wheeler had 600 merino sheep stolen from a paddock between July and September.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 Rural RoundUp newsletterStories from farms and country towns across Australia, delivered each Friday.Your information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.Email addressSubscribePosted 25m ago25 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:58pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesThe strange 'ballot-fellows' revealed on parties' how-to-vote cardsTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows green how to vote cards in the background with a text box that says enter your suburbDutton turns to Voice as cost of living alone won't save the CoalitionDAnalysis by David SpeersPhoto shows Anthony Albanese NPC for Speers ColumnPeter Dutton drops vow to change school curriculum, after 'indoctrination' claimsTopic:Public SchoolsPhoto shows Dutton looks down the barrell of the camera.US, Ukraine sign resources deal two months after Oval Office clashTopic:World PoliticsPhoto shows Scott Bessent and Yulia Svyrydenko sign papers at a desk in front of US and Ukrainian flags.Hackers have 'compromised' almost 100 bank employees, experts sayTopic:Cyber CrimePhoto shows A generic graphic image including a gold dollar sign and some websites.Related storiesNearly 600 sheep stolen from Victorian farm after owner loses theft insuranceTopic:Livestock FarmingPhoto shows Cross bred lambs at Steve Wheeler's farm in Lexton, western Victoria.This pocket-sized gadget could be the answer to stopping livestock theftTopic:Crime PreventionPhoto shows Photo of a sheep with an ear tag.Three men charged over alleged theft of 300 cattle from outback stationTopic:Beef Cattle FarmingPhoto shows Several brown cattle walking through grassland.Related topicsBallaratCrimeLextonLivestock FarmingPoliceTop StoriesThe strange 'ballot-fellows' revealed on parties' how-to-vote cardsTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows green how to vote cards in the background with a text box that says enter your suburbDutton turns to Voice as cost of living alone won't save the CoalitionDAnalysis by David SpeersPeter Dutton drops vow to change school curriculum, after 'indoctrination' claimsTopic:Public SchoolsUS, Ukraine sign resources deal two months after Oval Office clashTopic:World PoliticsHackers have 'compromised' almost 100 bank employees, experts sayTopic:Cyber CrimeJust InMurder trial over Erin Patterson's role in mushroom deaths continuesLIVE16m ago16 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:08amVictorian farmer target of 'coordinated' sheep heist costing him $175kTopic:Livestock Farming25m ago25 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:58pmProfessor warns of carbon farming risk in 'unlikely' success areasTopic:Agricultural Technology27m ago27 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:57pmYamal hailed as a talent 'born every 50 years' after Barça draw with InterTopic:UEFA Champions League32m ago32 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:52pmMore Just InBack to top