In the Riverina alone since mid-2009 there have been seven incidents of sheep theft reported to police, including one case at Old Junee.

In the incidents, covering Coolamon, Ganmain, Grenfell and Young, well over 200 sheep and prime lambs were stolen from a number of properties.

With prices at an all-time high and lambs ready for market, farmers have been urged to check stock numbers regularly.

Concerns have also been raised in the Wagga Local Area Command following a number of domestic dog attacks on stock.

While most of the incidents have occurred in the Wagga area, police have reminded dog owners serious penalties could be imposed on the owner of the attacking dog with on-the-spot fines of from $550 to $1760.

Dogs may also be destroyed.

Victim livestock owners are advised they can utilise a licenced firearm as means to protect stock which are being attacked.

Anyone who intends to use this method is advised to notify police of any issues or captured or killed dogs, so ownership can be investigated.