Why would someone steal sheep from a farm? 

Sadly, sheep theft on the rise - and they're stolen in bigger numbers in the one offence - which means police believe many thieves have a detailed knowledge of the industry - and have access to the trucks and equipment to make whole flocks disappear.

Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with Victoria Police Inspector Paul Hargreaves, who's talking on the subject this weekend at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo.