How brazen is a thief - or more likely a gang - that makes off with 5500 sheep? 

The central Queensland crime is one of Australia's largest ever livestock thefts.

The Dorpers vanished from a property on the Blackall-Isisford Rd sometime between February and May.

Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Elliot from the Rural and Stock Crime Squad, who says it'll hurt the whole community.

** If you have any information call Longreach police or make a report to Crimestoppers.