When farmer John Moloney did a sweep of his Old Junee property he was on the lookout for 150 of his Dorper ewes self-grazing a number of paddocks.

But upon close inspection he realised every one of the ewes was missing and he may have become one of the latest targets in stock theft sweeping the northern Riverina.

“All I can say is that I’ve lost 150 sheep, which I presume have been stolen. It’s thrown me,” Mr Moloney said.

“I’ve been around the place three or four times, counted through twice and can’t find them.

“I’ve been hanging on to pass the farm on through the family, but this is going to make it very difficult.”

At Narraburra, just north of Temora, another farmer discovered 44 lambs had disappeared between Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon from his property.

These farmers aren’t alone.

Over the last six to eight months police have seen the number of missing sheep reports climb, according to supervisor for the Wagga Rural Crimes Unit Detective Sergeant Michael Burns.

Areas which have seen an increase in stock losses include Junee, Coolamon, Ganmain, Ardlethan and Ariah Park.

“We have had a few leads in the areas these reports are coming from,” Detective Burns said.

“We’d like people to be more diligent and not be trusting of strange people around their property.

“If they see a suspicious vehicle they should make a note of it and ring the local police, as local police will have a better knowledge of their area.”

With the latest disappearance representing more than $20,000 worth of stock, Detective Burns said it is critical police be notified as quickly as possible.

Last year in the southern region alone more than $800,000 worth of sheep and cattle were stolen between January and May alone.

Anyone with information about stock thefts can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.