Five sheep have been killed by thieves at Aston Rowant Nature Reserve in Watlington.
Between Sunday, February 5 and Thursday, February 16, the sheep were professionally butchered and slaughtered and the meat was stolen, leaving behind the skins, feet and internal organs.
Pc Jon Simpkins, who is based at Thame police station, said: “The sheep were in a remote field on Aston Hill, along the A40 at Lewknor and the offenders would have had to park a vehicle in a nearby gateway.
“To have butchered the sheep would have taken in excess of two hours and they would have had to carry about 200 kilos of meat to their vehicle.
“The job was professionally done and I believe the offenders may have previous experience of butchering animals and used professional butcher or chef knives.”
Anyone with any information should contact Pc Simpkins on the Thames Valley Police enquiry line 101 or call Crimestoppers on an anonymous basis on on 0800 555111.
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