Stolen cattle recovered by police

Bunbury detectives and members of the inquiry team have recovered a small herd of steers stolen from a property in Dardanup last week.

The eight steers, worth about $1000 each, were found after four of them were identified at the Boyanup Saleyards.

The theft was discovered after a joint operation between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and WA Police.

A man in his 20s has been charged with theft after four steers were allegedly found on a Capel property.

Det. Sgt Gaunt said the owner of the cattle was unaware they were stolen until he did a head count.

“Police have always investigated stock theft, but we have come together with the department for this operation,” he said.

“As a result four were located at the stockyard and the other four were found on a property in Capel.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior compliance inspector Mike Donaghy said its strict identification of livestock had helped recover the stolen cattle.

Mr Donaghy said the theft was “opportunistic” and owners were not always aware their cattle was being stolen.