The Missouri Highway Patrol is asking for help from the public with cattle thefts on the rise in Stone, Dade and northern Greene counties.

The Rural Crimes Unit and area sheriff’s departments want to hear about any suspicious activity, such as trucks pulling stock trailers after dark, unfamiliar vehicles stopping near a field with the occupants looking closely at the cattle, or any unusual marking of fields.  The Highway Patrol says thieves may mark a field using tape, tying plastic shopping bags to fences, or spray-painting asphalt roads.

If you see anything suspicious, or you have information about any recent thefts, call 888-484-TIPS (888-484-8477) or your local law enforcement agency.  Tips may also be submitted online by clicking on the link below.

www.morciu.org