Police shared these images of the sheep's distinctive ear markings. Photo: Police / Supplied
Canterbury police are trying to find the rightful owner of sheep they suspect were stolen.
Detective Sergeant Colin Welsh said a mob of five sheep were found in a vehicle on the corner of Cochranes Road and Elgin Road in Ashburton district about 4am today.
"The vehicle had earlier been seen in Tinwald, Ashburton, but the sheep could have come from anywhere in the mid-South Canterbury area," he said.
"There are no other reports of missing sheep in the area, but police urge farmers check their stock and report any that are missing."
The sheep were in poor condition, he said.
Police posted photos of the animals' ear markings online in the hope someone will recognise them.
"If you recognise these ear markings, please contact Ashburton police or call 105, and quote number P053337873," police wrote on Facebook.
In 2022, Federated Farmers estimated stock rustling cost New Zealand farmers about $120 million a year.
At the time, the group's rural policing spokesperson said farmers should keep any stock people might be wanting to steal - for example prime lamb and beef - away from the road so people couldn't easily see it or easily access it.