An Ormiston-area rancher chased off a couple of thieves last week, but not before they grabbed three of his new-born calves.

On March 16 around 3:30 a.m., the farmer saw two people, possibly a man and a woman, stealing calves from his pasture.

He noticed a dark coloured Ford truck, with an extended cab, which was parked in an approach along Grid 717.

The vehicle took off westbound after they noticed the farmer approaching, and he followed the truck until Hwy 36.

The three calves were tagged and between three to seven days old. According to police, the total worth of the three calves is around $1,200.

RCMP were notified of the incident and Cst. Billy Gossen was assigned to the case.

"I've come to learn that we actually have some partnerships with livestock inspectors, there's forums we can go through," he explained, admitting this was a first for him in his policing career.

Cst. Gossen said he has received tips of a similar vehicle attempting the same crime in the recent past.

If you have any information regarding this incident, contact Coronach Detachment (306-267-1830) or call Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477).