EAST LANCASHIRE farmers are being urged to be extra vigilant to save their bacon following the latest wave of livestock thefts.

The National Farmers' Union is calling upon members to take extra security measures in the wake of a recent spate of pig thefts in the Midlands and Yorkshire.

More than 500 piglets were stolen from several farms and it's thought the rustlers could turn their attention to East Lancashire.

"Most Lancashire pigs are kept inside," said Blackburn NFU secretary Paul Field. "But, as the weather gets warmer, pigs will be let out into fields.

"Farmers must not take unnecessary risks, like leaving them out all night.

"More alarm systems should be installed and camera surveillance is advisable." It's believed a shortage of pigs in Britain and Europe is the driving force behind the recent spate of thefts.

At £30 a piglet, pork pinching provides rich pickings for rustlers.

"In 20 years of farming, we've never been so fearful," revealed one local pig farmer.

"We never let them out of the yard and have a good guard dog who will protect the farm from any intruder."

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