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Social media may have played role in Aldergrove cattle theft

After someone posted that cattle were seen roaming, two men with trailer took them, say police
web1_Alex-Mulvihill

Social media may have played a role in the theft of five head of cattle from an Aldergrove rancher.

On Saturday evening, May 13, three young heifers and two steers escaped their enclosure at 256 Street, just north of 24 Avenue.

A neighbour posted a notice on a Facebook page that cattle were seen roaming the area, and included a picture. The person likely posted the information to help reunite the farmer and his cattle.

But thieves may have other ideas of what to do with the information, said police.

Not long after the information about the roaming cattle was posted, two men in a grey diesel truck, pulling a dark gooseneck trailer, arrived. They loaded all five animals into the trailer and drove off. One of the men is described as having longer blond hair.

Langley RCMP confirmed that it was not the owner who picked up the roaming cattle.

“Through Facebook, the owner of the cattle were tipped off that his cattle were on a property in Surrey. Officers went to the address and spoke to the renter of that property who said he didn’t know anything about it. The stolen cattle were not there,” said Langley RCMP Sgt. Alex Mulvihill. “It’s unknown if the cows were actually there at any time.”

The stolen calves are almost fully grown and are dark red and white in colour.

They are tagged but not branded, said the owner. He is now offering a $1,000 reward for information on his missing cows.

He also said it is very rare for cattle to be stolen in this area.

“The cattle are worth between $7,500 and $10,000. So far, police have not been able to locate the cattle and we do consider this a theft. Police continue to investigate,” said Mulvihill.

Anyone with information on this theft is asked to call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Meanwhile, ranchers across B.C. and Alberta have been sharing the original Facebook post about the stolen cattle, in a community effort to help find them.



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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