A FARMER is concerned about his livestock after arsonists have repeatedly targeted his fields – setting fire to hay feeders.

Over the past month, Phillip Mitchel who owns farmland off Bittell Farm Road, Barnt Green, has noted six separate incidents of arsonists setting fire to hay bales and hay feeders.

He said he has lost around £1,000 due to damage but is more concerned if his sheep become short of feed to supplement the grass.

“The first couple of incidents caused more damage as the feeders were made of recycled plastic and burnt to the ground,” said Phillip.

“We then moved the feeder closer to the village hoping its proximity to houses would be a deterrent, we also changed the feeder to a metal one - in the past, we have had these stolen presumably for their scrap value. But to no avail.

“The main problem is the sheep being short of feed to supplement the grass and the worry of going over there to see if we have been a victim again - because after six times it’s become a bit of a tribulation.

“Looking after sheep in the late autumn and early winter in these wet and sometimes cold conditions is hard enough without dealing with the consequences of these actions.”

West Mercia Police has confirmed they are treating the fires as arson and an investigation is ongoing.

Sophie Sandison, West Mercia Police rural and business crime officer said: “We have seen young people straying onto private land and setting light to food stocks.

“With farmers making sure their livestock have enough food out in the fields, there are a few people who think setting animal feed on fire is fun.

“I’d like to assure them that it’s not, that they are committing an offence, and, in a lot of cases, they are being watched.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Hay feeders and hay bales have been set alight on six occasions. Hay feeders and hay bales have been set alight on six occasions. (Image: Phillip Mitchell.)

“Many farmers, like Phil Mitchell, have strategically placed covert cameras on their land and are then providing us with the footage.

“With this we are able to take effective action and if you are starting fires, you are committing several crimes and you can expect us to trace you and knock at your door.

“While setting light to a single bale of hay might not seem serious, should the fire spread to other bales, buildings or clothing then the consequences could be significant in terms of damage, injury and the resources required to bring the fire under control.”

West Mercia Police is appealing to those responsible for setting fires on farmland to think of the victims of their actions.

The force says arson is ‘extremely dangerous, thoughtless and besides the farmers who lose thousands of pounds, are the animals whose food and infrastructure is being set on fire’.