Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘stolen sheep’ were never missing, police confirm following awkward mishap
Police investigating former Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson’s report of stolen sheep have confirmed the presenter had simply miscounted his flock.
Earlier this month, Mr Clarkson, 66, reminded the public that “farmers are armed” as he shared that 11 of his sheep had been taken overnight.
The Clarkson’s Farm star originally assumed the animals had been snatched in a late-night raid at his farm in chipping Norton in Oxfordshire.
He told fans at the time: “I don’t even know when it happened. We came down yesterday, Kaleb and I, and actually counted sheep, which is quite difficult to do without dozing off.
Jeremy Clarkson and Charlie Ireland | AMAZON“There are 11 that have gone missing from this field, and we think there are some missing from the other field.
“They were the breeding ewes, which is genuinely annoying. They are £205 each, so over £2,000 worth of sheep were stolen.
“It’s annoying and it’s happening a lot.”
However, it turns out the livestock had simply been miscounted. Speaking to The Mirror, a spokesperson from Thames Valley Police issued a clarification.
The former Top Gear host announced 11 of his sheep had been taken in a nighttime raid
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GETTY“Thames Valley Police is no longer investigating a reported theft of sheep from a farm near Chadlington,” a spokesperson stated.
“Following enquiries, it has been established that no sheep were stolen.
“The report was found to be the result of an accidental miscount by farm staff, and all sheep have since been accounted for.
“As no offence has been identified, the investigation has now been closed.”
Clarkson’s Farm cast
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GETTYMr Clarkson had issued a plea with the public over the “stolen” sheep, urging them to reach out if they had any information.
“To have animals stolen, it’s really galling,” he shared. “They were happy here. This is my favourite field on the farm.
“They have been taken, realistically. There’s no other explanation. There are no carcasses.
“We’ve been through the woods and there are no sheep droppings in there. They’re not in the woods. They’re not on the neighbouring farm. The only option left is that they’ve been taken.”
Jeremy Clarkson simply miscounted the sheep at his farm, police confirmed
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GETTY
At the time, the police force confirmed it had launched an investigation.
Mr Clarkson recounted how he’d called them to say: “I know it’s going to sound like I’m from 1856, but I’ve had some sheep stolen.”
A few days later, he shared an update during the National Television Awards, telling reporters: “I think it’s a foregone conclusion that you probably ate one of them last night.
“There’s none on the farm and there’s no blood and guts, so somebody has stolen them and butchered them.”
He concluded: “Farmers are armed… I don’t know why people don’t realise that.”
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